Eastern District of Louisiana

ELBERT MOORE, age 36, of Houma, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before the Honorable Susie Morgan to a bill of information charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane Evans.

According to the court records, MOORE conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  MOORE admitted to being captured on a Title III wire intercept. 

Sentencing is scheduled for June 8, 2018.  MOORE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years because of a prior drug offense, up to a maximum of life, a fine of $8,000,000 and eight years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

VERNON SWEENEY, JR. (“SWEENEY”), age 52, of Tickfaw, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

On October 12, 2017, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, arrested SWEENEY during the execution of a state search warrant at his Tickfaw home after finding that SWEENEY was in possession of several items, including a laptop computer, thumb drives and cellular phones that contained images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. 

Court records also revealed that SWEENEY was previously convicted in Tangipahoa Parish Criminal District Court for pornography involving juveniles on August 1, 2012.  Due to his prior conviction, if convicted, SWEENEY 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.

Sentencing will be held on July 12, 2018 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon.

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 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.

 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVONTA DUNN, age 23 of Port Allen, was indicted by a federal grand jury.

According to the indictment, DUNN possessed with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. If convicted, DUNN faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 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.

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 Attorney Jeffrey Sandman is in charge of the prosecution.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JORGE GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, age 33, a native of Mexico, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced GARCIA to time served (10 months), 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 September 15, 2017, GARCIA was found in the United States after having been previously deported from the United States on April 21, 2012.

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 JOSE REYES-GABRIELES, age 33, a native of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien.

According to the court documents, REYES-GABRIELES was previously removed from the United States on April 17, 2008. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on December 7, 2017, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

REYES-GABRIELES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing for April 19, 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.

JOSE ALBERTO SANTOS-MONTALVAN, age 42, a citizen of Honduras pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal use of a Social Security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

According to court documents, SANTOS-MONTALVAN used a social security number that was not assigned to him by the Social Security Administration to register for a safety training course that he was required to complete before he could begin working for a local construction company on various job sites in the local area.  At sentencing, which is set for June 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, SANTOS-MONTALVAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, SANTOS-MONTALVAN is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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.

DEMARCO JONES, age 23 of Tickfaw, and WILLIE WALKER, age 22 of Hammond, pled guilty yesterday to violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

JONES and WALKER pled guilty to theft of firearms in connection with the January 31, 2017 burglary of the Tickfaw Auction Company (a federal firearms licensee), during which 57 handguns were stolen.  Additionally, WALKER admitted to possession of stolen firearms and JONES tendered a guilty plea to possession of firearms by a felon.  

Each offense carries an identical maximum sentence:  10 years imprisonment, and/or a fine not to exceed $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment fee.   The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2018.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods 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. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon.

In recent days, multiple media outlets have repeated misleading statements made by companies about "NIJ certification" of their ballistic backpack products.

United States Justice Department spokesperson Devin O'Malley issued the following statement regarding claims of NIJ Certification of Ballistic Backpacks.  "The National Institute of Justice—the research, development, and evaluation agency of the Department of Justice—has never tested nor certified ballistic items, such as backpacks, blankets, or briefcases, other than body armor for law enforcement. Marketing that claims NIJ testing or certification for such products is false."

The only ballistic-resistant product that NIJ certifies is law enforcement body armor that meet the requirements of NIJ’s Compliance Testing Program (CTP), which are then listed on NIJ’s Compliant Products List.  Testing body armor involves a technically rigorous test campaign that must be carried out by one of four laboratories that are accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program and approved by NIJ to participate in the CTP.  The protocols and procedures are described in the current NIJ performance standard NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor. 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CLARK McALPIN, age 37, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy throughout the New Orleans area.  Specifically McALPIN pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. '' 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) and 846.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced McALPIN to 10 years’ incarceration, followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, in 2016, codefendant Steven Lyons was a New Orleans-based drug trafficker who was receiving parcels of methamphetamine via common mail carriers.  McALPIN would assist Lyons in distributing the quantities of methamphetamine in the New Orleans area. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Amtrak Police, and St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARRION YOUNG, age 32, from New Orleans, was sentenced to serve forty months imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for making false statements to federal agents.  DARRION YOUNG pleaded guilty in June 2017.

According to documents filed in court, DARRION YOUNG, who had previously been convicted of a felony in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, possessed a firearm on November 24, 2015.  Moreover, after he was arrested, on two occasions, DARRION YOUNG made false statements to agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, during which he falsely accused a person of taking part in a shooting at the Bunny Friend Park on November 22, 2015.  In fact, the person that DARRION YOUNG falsely accused was not in Louisiana on the date of the Bunny Friend Park shooting.  However, that person was incarcerated for approximately two weeks until he was released. 

In addition to the term of imprisonment, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced DARRION YOUNG to a term of three years of supervised release. 

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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JETTY HUI, age 44, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to one count of lying to the FBI, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).  The guilty plea was taken before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

According to the bill of information, JETTY HUI was a business owner of Cabinets and Countertops Direct.  After the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon explosion, HUI submitted documentation of losses to his business to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust.  Those losses were fraudulent and were only submitted to facilitate a refund.  On December 2, 2010, HUI received approximately $72,500 in funds.  In May, 2012, HUI knowingly and willfully made false, fictitious, and fraudulent material statements and representations regarding the veracity of his claim for those funds, indicating to the FBI that the losses were real, when in fact they were not.

HUI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three (3) years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

A sentencing hearing is set for June 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. before the United Stated District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.  U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr., is in charge of the prosecution.

PAMELA THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”), age 63, of Algiers, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Theft of Government Funds, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, THOMPSON had continued to receive her mother’s Social Security Administration (“SSA”) benefits after her mother died in 2008.  SSA determined that THOMPSON’s mother’s monthly benefits of $2,973.20 were deposited directly into her bank account.  The investigation revealed that THOMPSON had access to her mother’s account and spent $297,325.70 in SSA benefits that were intended for her mother.  

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced THOMPSON to three years of probation and restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $297,325.70.

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARRION YOUNG, age 32, from New Orleans, was sentenced to serve forty months imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for making false statements to federal agents.  DARRION YOUNG pleaded guilty in June 2017.

According to documents filed in court, DARRION YOUNG, who had previously been convicted of a felony in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, possessed a firearm on November 24, 2015.  Moreover, after he was arrested, on two occasions, DARRION YOUNG made false statements to agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, during which he falsely accused a person of taking part in a shooting at the Bunny Friend Park on November 22, 2015.  In fact, the person that DARRION YOUNG falsely accused was not in Louisiana on the date of the Bunny Friend Park shooting.  However, that person was incarcerated for approximately two weeks until he was released. 

In addition to the term of imprisonment, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced DARRION YOUNG to a term of three years of supervised release. 

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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that New Orleans Certified Public Account (CPA), BRENDEL DEEMER, age 48, was sentenced to serve three years of probation and pay a $3,000 fine for willfully filing a false tax return for herself. DEEMER was charged in June 2017 with a single count of filing a false tax return. She pleaded guilty in September 2017.

According to documents filed in court, DEEMER filed a false 2010 individual income tax return that excluded income and inflated expenses for businesses under her control. DEEMER operated Deemer CPA & Consulting Services LLC since at least 2009. From 1999 through 2005, she also operated Building Blocks Academy, a day care center. Defendant DEEMER ceased operating Building Blocks Academy after Hurricane Katrina and did not resume operating the business. As DEEMER admitted pursuant to her guilty plea, for tax years 2009 and 2010, she filed individual income tax returns that falsely reported her Schedule C business income from Deemer CPA and Consulting Services, LLC, and her expenses for Building Blocks Academy.

In addition to the fine and term of probation, United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced DEEMER to pay $88,651.22 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, a $100 special assessment, and 100 hours of community service.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Hayden Brockett is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced, after the unsealing of an indictment, that MICHAEL C. CRAWFORD, JR., age 42, of Houma, was charged  with three counts of distribution of heroin. 

According to the indictment, on January 20, 24, and 30, 2018, CRAWFORD distributed a quantity of a mixture containing a detectible amount of heroin. If convicted of these charges, the defendant face a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years.

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 and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James S. C. Baehr, Nicholas D. Moses, and André Jones are in charge of the prosecution.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history.   The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans, most of whom were elderly.  The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across more than 50 federal districts.  Of the defendants, 200 were charged criminally.  In each case, offenders engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors.  In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars.  The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.

Attorney General Sessions was joined in the announcement by FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich; Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell; FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen; and Kansas Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General Derek Schmidt.

“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions.  “Today’s actions send a clear message:  we will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are.  When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains.  Today is only the beginning.  I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”

The actions charged a variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians.  A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim.  The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.

“Winners. That’s what so many of the people who received these solicitations in the mail thought they were. But they’re not. They are victims of scams that Postal Inspectors have seen and investigated for decades. In fact, some of the same operators we encountered 20 years ago are back. But so are we. Yesterday, Postal Inspectors around the country executed search warrants on 14 locations that some of these same operators used to run their scams. We’re letting the American public know – and especially our vulnerable older Americans – that Postal Inspectors are working hard to protect them and ensure their confidence in the U.S. Mail,” said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell.

“Over the last year, the FBI has initiated more than 200 financial crimes cases involving elderly victims who were devastated financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. Picking up the pieces of these fraud schemes can be equally as traumatizing for the caregivers of these elderly victims,” said Acting Deputy Director Bowdich.  “The FBI reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant. If any person believes they are the victim of, or have knowledge of fraud involving an elderly person, regardless of the loss amount, they should report it to the FBI.”

Actions against mass-mailing fraud industry

As part of the initiative, the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and others, brought numerous cases this past week in a coordinated strike against more than 43 mass-mailing fraud operators, including criminal charges against six individuals.  In addition, law enforcement agents executed 14 premises search warrants from Las Vegas to south Florida, served numerous asset seizure warrants, and coordinated with the Vancouver Police in Canada, who executed over 20 warrants, including search warrants on business premises.

“The defendants targeted elderly and vulnerable consumers both in the United States and abroad, using U.S. addresses and the U.S. mails to try to legitimize their fraudulent schemes,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Richard P. Donoghue.  “They sold false promises of life-changing prizes that never came true.  We will pursue the perpetrators of these mail schemes wherever they are located, and hold them accountable.”

These recently filed cases particularly targeted transnational criminal actors who collectively defrauded at least a million victims out of hundreds of millions of dollars.  Indeed, just one of the schemes prosecuted criminally by the Consumer Protection Branch operated from 14 foreign countries to cost American victims more than $30 million.  Click here for map showing a transnational, single fraud scheme.

Mass-mailing fraud inflicts hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to elderly U.S. victims each year.  Department prosecutors and U.S. Postal Inspectors have taken a comprehensive approach to combatting this fraud, disrupting and prosecuting individuals who manage the schemes, artists who draft the fraudulent solicitations, list brokers who supply victim lists, and individuals who collect victim payments.

Actions against other elder fraud schemes

Prosecutors across the country from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices have heeded the call to focus resources on elder fraud cases.  Over 50 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department Components filed elder fraud cases in the last year.  Some examples of the elder financial exploitation prosecuted by the Department include:

• “Lottery phone scams,” in which callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before one can receive lottery winnings;
• “Grandparent scams,” which convince seniors that their grandchildren have been arrested and need bail money;
• “Romance scams,” which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose;
• “IRS imposter schemes,” which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes;
• “Guardianship schemes,” which siphon seniors’ financial resources into the bank accounts of deceitful relatives or guardians.

Many of these cases illustrate how an elderly American can lose his or her life savings to a duplicitous relative, guardian, or stranger who gains the victim’s trust.  The devastating effects these cases have on victims and their families, both financially and psychologically, make prosecuting elder fraud a key Department priority.

Public education

The Department has partnered with Senior Corps, a national service program administered by the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service, to educate seniors and prevent further victimization. The Senior Corps program engages more than 245,000 older adults in intensive service each year, who in turn, serve more than 840,000 additional seniors, including 332,000 veterans.

Using its vast network operating in more than 30,000 locations, Senior Corps volunteers will communicate about elder fraud to potential victims across the country and will use their skills, knowledge and experience to educate their peers and caregivers about the most prolific types of schemes and how to avoid them. Click here for information on Senior Corps’ efforts to reduce elder fraud.

Coordination with state officials

Kansas Attorney General Schmidt highlighted the cases filed by state Attorneys General targeting elder frauds within in the sweep period, and he emphasized efforts at the state level to combat elder abuse and protect seniors from fraud and exploitation.  He encouraged all of the state Attorneys General to devote enforcement and public education resources to preventing financial exploitation of senior citizens.

Coordination with foreign law enforcement

Exceptional assistance from foreign law enforcement partners amplified the effectiveness of the Department’s initiative.  The sweep announced today benefited greatly from the work of the International Mass-Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), a network of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Europol, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.  The IMMFWG is co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Justice and FTC, and law enforcement in the United Kingdom, and serves as a model for international cooperation against specific threats that endanger the financial well-being of each member country’s residents.  Attorney General Sessions expressed gratitude for the outstanding efforts of the working group, including law enforcement action taken as part of the sweep by the Vancouver Police Department in Canada to halt mass mailing schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims worldwide.

Elder fraud complaints

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.  The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov. 

For more information about Elder Fraud prevention please visit

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U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRIAN BURNS, age 34, of Reserve, pled guilty today to charges relating to narcotics trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. 

According to court documents, BURNS conspired to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.  For that charge, BURNS faces a term of imprisonment of at least five and up to forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, 

BURNS pled guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  BURNS possessed a Remington Model AR-15, .223 caliber semi-automatic assault rifle; a Kel-Tec Model Tec-9, 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine; and a Taurus Model 738 TCP, .380 caliber, semi-automatic pistol.  For the firearms charge, BURNS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for May 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN BRANDON WILLIAMS, age 29, of Oakland, California, was sentenced to 6 months of incarceration followed by 6 months of home confinement by  United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana Sarah S. Vance after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to alter U.S. Postal money orders. 

According to the court records, WILLIAMS conspired with others in the New Orleans area to buy U.S. Postal money orders in small amounts (typically $1.00) and then the money orders were sent out of state where they were altered to much higher amounts. WILLIAMS, working with other conspirators, then enlisted individuals to deposit the altered U.S. Postal money orders into local bank accounts. Once the money orders cleared, the funds were withdrawn and split by WILLIAMS and the conspirators.

In addition to 12 months, WILLIAMS was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release, ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution to two victim banks and ordered to pay a fine of $2,000.  

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the investigative work of the United States Postal Inspector Office for its handling of the matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILTON CARLOS SEGURA-SANCHEZ, a/k/a “Milton Reyna Segura-Sanchez,” a/k/a “Milton Carlos Segura Reyna,” a/k/a “Carlos,” age 36, from Houston, Texas, has pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute One Kilogram or more of Cocaine.  The defendant faces a sentence of between five and forty years imprisonment. 

SEGURA-SANCHEZ admitted that in July 2016, he directed another person to deliver approximately four kilograms of cocaine from Houston to Lowell, Massachusetts.  That person was later stopped by law enforcement on Interstate 12 near Hammond, Louisiana, and the cocaine was seized. 

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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TONYA BAKER, age 42, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(k).

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced BAKER to a term of imprisonment of 70 months, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

According to court documents, BAKER conspired with others to conceal a Ruger 9mm handgun and a Hi-Point 9mm handgun with the intent to impair their availability for use in an official proceeding. The firearms were related to a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys James S.C. Baehr and J. Ryan McLaren were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that AKARI WILLIAMS, age 34, a resident of Houma, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to 188 months in prison for charges stemming from a conspiracy to mail methamphetamine from California to south Louisiana for distribution.

WILLIAMS was tried in November 2016 and he was found guilty after a four-day trial.  According to evidence received at trial, WILLIAMS and two other men from south Louisiana conspired to distribute methamphetamine.  One of them would fly to southern California to arrange for the purchase of methamphetamine.  The package would then be sent to residents in the Houma area who were friends or family of WILLIAMS.  The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department intercepted one package that contained 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine that tested to be 98.7% pure.  The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Department took possession of that package and executed a controlled delivery during which WILLIAMS and another conspirator were arrested.  In total, witnesses testified that, during this conspiracy, WILLIAMS received at least five kilograms of similarly pure methamphetamine for distribution in the Houma area.

The jury convicted WILLIAMS of both counts in which he was charged.  Judge Morgan sentenced WILLIAMS to 188 months for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and she gave him the same sentenced for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Judge Morgan also sentenced WILLIAMS to five years of supervised release as to each count.  She ordered the sentences for both counts to run concurrently.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.  U.S. Attorney Evans thanked the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in investigating this case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Payne, Andre Jones, and Shirin Hakimzadeh handled the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAMIAN BARBARITO ROMERO, age 37, from New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged today before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to a one-count Indictment charging him with possession of child pornography involving children under the age of twelve, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B). 

According to court documents, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at ROMERO’S residence in February 2017.  During the execution of the warrant, agents seized dozens of electronic devices, including laptop computers, “thumb” drives, external storage devices, and DVDs, that contained images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children.  A subsequent forensic review revealed that ROMERO had downloaded and saved approximately 3,984 unique images and 1,258 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children, including children as young as two (2) years old being forced to engaged in violent sexually explicit conduct.  The forensic review also determined that ROMERO attempted unsuccessfully to encrypt and hide his collection by using a sophisticated twenty-two character password.

ROMERO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, and he may also be required to register as sex offender.  Sentencing in this matter will occur before Judge Vance on May 16, 2018, at 9:30 am. 

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LOIS MCCORKLE, age 68, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to theft of government funds.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced MCCORKLE to three (3) years’ probation and ordered MCCORKLE to pay restitution in the amount of $105,320.98 to the Social Security Administration.

According to court records, MCCORKLE was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). On or about November 17, 2001, MCCORKLE married, but she failed to notify SSA of her change in marital status. If she had reported her marriage as required by the SSA, she would not have been entitled to her SSI benefits due to her husband’s wages. MCCORKLE received Social Security Supplemental Security Income payments to which she knew she was not entitled, having a value of approximately $105,320.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Social Security Administration- Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen is in charge of the prosecution.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARCIA DENISE JORDAN, age 45, a resident of Mandeville, was charged today in a one-count bill of information with tax evasion, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7201.

According to the bill of information, JORDAN willfully attempted to evade tax due and owing for tax year 2011, by filing a false IRS form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), which falsely stated that her total estimated tax liability was $0 and that she had made $10,000 in payments to the IRS, despite knowing that she had received $493,266 in taxable income that year.

If convicted, JORDAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

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 Internal Revenue Service, United States Secret Service, and the Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri and DOJ Tax Division Trial Attorney Grace Albinson are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that STEVEN RE, age 41, was charged on February 15, 2018, in a two-count indictment with possession of stolen firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j).

According to the indictment, RE possessed a .22 caliber rifle, a .410 gauge shotgun, and a 20-gauge shotgun while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the firearms were stolen. If convicted, RE faces as to each count 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.

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.

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 in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan McLaren is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BLAIR ANDERSON, age 42, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced ANDERSON to a term of imprisonment of 70 months, four years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

According to court documents, ANDERSON conspired with others to distribute or possess with intent to distribute between 50 and 200 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys James S.C. Baehr and J. Ryan McLaren were in charge of the prosecution.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that OTHO SCHILLING (“SCHILLING”), age 58, of Mt. Hermon, Louisiana, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641.

According to the indictment, 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 $200,000.00 in RSDI benefits he was not entitled to due to his employment with the church.

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN RUFFIN, age 26, of New Orleans, was charged in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the Indictment, RUFFIN, who had previously been convicted of a felony in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, possessed a .40 caliber Glock Model 27 pistol in December 2017. 

If convicted, RUFFIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

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.

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 New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ALLAN ARZU MATAMOROS-BANEGAS (“MATAMOROS-BANEGAS”), age 31, pleaded guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information charging 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. At sentencing, which is currently set for May 17, 2018, MATAMOROS-BANEGAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney 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.

RUFINO MEJIA-ACOSTA, a/k/a Miguel A. Pacheco-Gonzalez (MEJIA-ACOSTA), age 38, a citizen of Mexico and residing in Chalmette, Louisiana, was charged in federal court in a one-count Bill of Information for illegal use of a Social Security Number. 

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

According to the Bill of Information, on or about July 3, 2017, MEJIA-ACOSTA, for the purpose of obtaining employment and for other purposes, knowingly and with intent to deceive, did falsely represent on a US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Verification Form that a Social Security Number not issued to him, was assigned to him; all in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

U.S. Attorney 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 ROT VAN NGUYEN, a/k/a “Minh Dung,” a/k/a “Minh Dung Duong,” age 56, of San Jose, California, was charged today with one count of failure to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

According to court documents, NGUYEN was arrested in December 2017 in New Orleans after having departed California in November 2015.  After traveling to New Orleans, NGUYEN failed to register with local authorities as required by SORNA.  If convicted, NGUYEN 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 Marshal’s Service and the Louisiana State Police in this matter.  He extended his thanks to California Division of Parole Operations, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of prosecution.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEBRA KROM, age 36, a resident of Wylie, Texas was charged yesterday in a one-count Bill of Information for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud.

According to the Information, 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 A.S., 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, A.S. 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, A.S. or others. Immediately after receiving the funds in the mail from the victims, KROM, A.S., and others transferred the ill-gotten proceeds from their accounts to Bowyer’s account in Jamaica.

If convicted, KROM 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 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.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN RUFFIN, age 26, of New Orleans, was charged in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the Indictment, RUFFIN, who had previously been convicted of a felony in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, possessed a .40 caliber Glock Model 27 pistol in December 2017. 

If convicted, RUFFIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

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.

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 New Orleans Police Department 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 LUIS CHAVEZ-LOPEZ, age 31, a native of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced CHAVEZ-LOPEZ to 37 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release.  According to court documents, CHAVEZ-LOPEZ was previously removed from the United States on February 5, 2015.  He was found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on May 3, 2017, without permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the country. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.

Two New Orleans, Louisiana-area psychiatrists and a third individual were charged in an indictment filed today for their alleged participation in a health care kickback scheme.  The two psychiatrists were also charged for their roles in a home health care fraud scheme.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Field Office made the announcement.

Muhammad Kaleem Arshad, M.D., 62, of New Orleans, Louisiana, Padmini Nagaraj, M.D., 60, of Kenner, Louisiana, and Joseph A. Haynes, 61, of New Orleans, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to receive illegal health care kickbacks and three counts of receiving illegal health care kickbacks.  Arshad and Nagaraj were also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud. 

The indictment alleges that the defendants, who were affiliated with a company that provides outpatient psychiatric services, conspired with the owner of a New Orleans home health agency to take bribes in exchange for referring psychiatric patients for medically unnecessary home health services. Haynes, who worked at the company as a marketer, allegedly helped to negotiate and enforce the bribes and kickbacks for the doctors.  The indictment further alleges that the New Orleans home health agency then submitted the fraudulent claims to Medicare to receive payment.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.     

The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG.  Trial Attorney Kate Payerle of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. 

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.  The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion. 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WAYNE SONIAT, age 61, of New Orleans, pled guilty today after previously being charged with a two-count Bill of Information for wire fraud and making false statements on federal income tax returns. 

According to court documents, SONIAT was employed as a warehouse manager for a New Orleans-based food production company headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana, which also operated a manufacturing plant in Reserve, Louisiana (“Company A”).  SONIAT was responsible for, among other things, ensuring that employees followed appropriate procedures, keeping track of when temporary employees worked, and submitting the requisite paperwork, including time sheets, to ensure that Company A paid the temporary employees and the staffing agency through whom the temporary employees were acquired for the time the temporary employees worked.  Between about November 2009 and October 2014, SONIAT embezzled approximately $437,346 from Company A in a series of approximately 200 wire transfers, without Company A’s knowledge or authorization.  SONIAT did so by signing and submitting paperwork, including time sheets, indicating that temporary, contract employees (“ghost employees”) had performed work for Company A when, in fact, they had not.  SONIAT obtained debit cards in the names of the ghost employees onto which payments were made for the time they allegedly worked.  SONIAT then used the money to pay for personal expenses to withdraw cash at area ATMs.  Additionally, SONIAT failed to report the income from his scheme on his federal income tax returns, which resulted in a loss to the United States Government in the form of tax due and owing in the amount of approximately $43,885.

SONIAT faces up to twenty-three (23) years imprisonment.  Sentencing before Judge Feldman has been scheduled for May 16, 2018. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter, with assistance from the United States Secret Service, the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Financial Crime Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JEREMY DORMAN, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and JUSTIN SWANK, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, to 65 months and 40 months imprisonment, respectively, after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on September 24, 2015, a confidential source informed Jefferson Parish law enforcement officers that DORMAN was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 near Kenner, Louisiana with a large quantity of methamphetamine.  A stop and search of the vehicle revealed that DORMAN was in possession of 912 grams of methamphetamine.  In a post-arrest statement, DORMAN acknowledged possession of the methamphetamine and identified SWANK, a New Orleans resident, as his drug trafficking associate who was also in possession of methamphetamine.  Special Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration went to SWANK’S residence at 2410 Daneel Street and arrested him on an outstanding warrant.  During a search of SWANK’S residence, agents recovered 19 grams of methamphetamine from SWANK’S pocket and recovered another 421 grams of methamphetamine from a safe in SWANK’S bedroom. 

            U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney André Jones was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, DAN PIZARRO, age 48, a resident of California, was sentenced today for his role in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and heroin in the New Orleans area.  Following a 4-day trial in August 2017, a federal jury found PIZARRO guilty of the sole count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin.

According to the evidence presented at trial, in June 2014, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) deputies investigating methamphetamine distribution in Arabi, Louisiana, arrested two men who were selling methamphetamine on West Judge Perez Drive.  Through their investigation, deputies learned that their source of methamphetamine was a resident of California and that PIZARRO had introduced them to the source, thereby setting the conspiracy into motion. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, even after leaving the New Orleans area, PIZARRO continued to direct and supervise the conspiracy. SBSO deputies coordinated with agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Field Office, and between June 26th and 27th, 2014, federal agents and SBSO deputies intercepted four packages containing methamphetamine being mailed through Federal Express to Arabi, Louisiana.  In total, the four packages contained over one kilogram of methamphetamine.  According to DEA laboratory analysts, the methamphetamine in all four packages had a purity level of over 99%, with one shipment testing as 100% pure methamphetamine.

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced PIZARRO to life imprisonment and ten year of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and he thanked the Los Angeles Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and Matthew Payne were responsible for the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KRISTEN WILLIAMS, age 44, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C § 2113(a).

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced WILLIAMS to a term of imprisonment of 70 months, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

According to court documents, WILLIAMS robbed the Gulf Coast Bank and Trust located at 201 North Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans on November 5, 2016. WILLIAMS, whose actions were recorded by surveillance video, robbed the bank of $4,983.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and J. Ryan McLaren were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GABRIEL CARRETO-SANCHEZ, age 41, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute One Kilogram or more of Cocaine, and one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute One Kilogram or more of Cocaine.  The defendant faces a sentence of between five and forty years imprisonment. 

CARRETO-SANCHEZ admitted that in April 2017, he traveled from New Orleans to Houston, Texas to receive approximately one kilogram of cocaine hydrochloride from a supplier.  Subsequently, as he was returning to New Orleans, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) conducted a stop of his vehicle and seized the kilogram of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRAD MILLIGAN, age 39, of Metairie, has been charged with manufacturing and distributing explosive materials without a license and possessing anabolic steroids with the intent to distribute.  MILLIGAN did not possess a license to distribute either the explosives or anabolic steroids.

According to the bill of information, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives began investigating the shipment of explosive precursor chemicals which are used to manufacture explosive devices, such as M-type explosive devices.  ATF agents learned that MILLIGAN was purchasing large quantities of the precursor materials, all of which were ordered over the internet and delivered to his Metairie residence.  A Crimestoppers tipster anonymously provided information to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office which stated that MILLIGAN was selling explosive devices and anabolic steroids from his residence.  Members of the JPSO and the ATF began a joint investigation into the information provided.

If convicted, MILLIGAN 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 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 Duane A. Evans praised the work of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EDY GARCIA-BANEGAS, age 32, a citizen of Honduras, was charged today in a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326.

According to the bill of information, EDY GARCIA-BANEGAS reentered the United States prior to on or about December 14, 2017, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about January 6, 2012.  

If convicted, EDY GARCIA-BANEGAS 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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMES ALTON OLINDE, JR., age 47, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a bank robbery.

U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced OLINDE to 175 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on August 11, 2016, a white male entered the Gulf Coast Bank and Trust located at 201 North Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans.  The male was wearing a dark shirt, dark pants, and a dark hat with white writing on it.  The male approached the teller counter and presented a demand note that contained words to the effect of “YOU'RE BEING ROBBED. I WANT THE MONEY.” The teller gave the male $3,187.00 in United States currency and he left the bank.

Later, agents received tips that identified the robber as OLINDE.  OLINDE was also identified from a bank surveillance photograph that was published by local new media sources.  A video recording from a surveillance camera that was positioned near the bank showed OLINDE park a Chevrolet Tahoe and retrieve a bicycle from the rear of the vehicle.  OLINDE road the bicycle near and left it near the corner of David Drive and Canal Boulevard.  A short time later, OLINDE ran back to the driver's side of the Tahoe. Later that day, agents received a tip that OLINDE was at a Mississippi casino.  At approximately 10:00 p.m., agents located OLINDE’s Tahoe in the garage of the casino.  Agents looked through the window of the Tahoe and saw the hat that OLINDE wore during the bank robbery.  Agents located OLINDE at the casino and he was arrested.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Division Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BASIN WELLS, age 30, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to both counts of the indictment charging him, respectively, in count 1 with conspiracy to possess heroin with the intent to distribute and in count 2 with with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

WELLS faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a one million dollar fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment fee for both counts.

WELLS was arrested by Louisiana State Police Troopers on February 8, 2016, Lundi Gras, in a parking lot in the French Quarter with three others: Lilbear George, Sidney Lebanks, and Kalique Hardin, all of whom possessed guns, heroin, and cash.  Lilbear George is also under indictment for the December 18, 2013, murder of Loomis Armored US security guard Hector Trochez at the Chase bank at Carrollton and Claiborne Avenues.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon was in charge of the prosecution.

YVONNE WILSON, age 37, of Kenner, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court yesterday before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to embezzlement of mail matter by a postal service employee, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) received information regarding complaints of theft of mail. After further investigation, it was determined that YVONNE WILSON (WILSON), a U.S. Postal Service City Carrier Assistant, was the postal service employee who might have been involved in the thefts.

On July 14, 2016, a USPS-OIG agent prepared two decoy letters, one being a first class letter addressed to W.P. in Metairie, Louisiana, containing cash in the amount of $115.00, and another first class letter addressed to M.H. in Metairie, Louisiana, containing cash in the amount of $100.00. The agent placed them in the mail stream at the Metairie Main Post Office located at 3301 17th Street, Metairie, Louisiana. Both letters were to be handled and delivered by WILSON as the letters were on her assigned route. USPS-OIG agents maintained surveillance of WILSON as she serviced her assigned route. After they determined that WILSON had opened the decoy letters, the agents approached her, identified themselves, and explained why they had approached her. They also observed a plastic Wal-Mart bag in her postal vehicle containing the two open decoy letters. WILSON admitted that she had opened the decoy letters, took the cash from the letters, and placed the $215.00 cash in her wallet.  

WILSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is set for June 21, 2018.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service- Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Loan AMimi@ Nguyen.

NAHUM VERDE-ORTIZ, age 39, a citizen of Honduras pleaded guilty on February 1, 2018 to a one-count indictment for illegal use of a Social Security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

VERDE-ORTIZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, VERDE-ORTIZ is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 29, 2018.

According to the indictment, on October 20, 2017, VERDE-ORTIZ used a social security number that did not belong to him to register for a safety training course that his employer required him to take before he could begin working for the company as a construction worker.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSHUA JOHNSON, age 37, has pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Sections 922(g)(1).  The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in the Bureau of Prisons, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

JOHNSON was arrested by personnel of the New Orleans Police Department on July 9, 2015, and charged with illegally carrying a weapon and possession of a firearm or weapon by a convicted felon. During an investigatory stop pat down, Officer Gray discovered a firearm in JOHNSON’S waistband.  JOHNSON was subsequently arrested.  JOHNSON admitted to possessing the firearm for protection, and advised he had been robbed and held for hours at gunpoint in March, 2015.  Therefore, the firearm which JOHNSON possessed on July 9, 2015 had to travel in and affect interstate and foreign commerce. 

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 wishes to thank the hard work of the NOPD and ATF in investigating the matter.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EMELDA MATTHEWS (“MATTHEWS”), age 36, of Violet, Louisiana, pleaded guilty yesterday to Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation of False Tax Returns.

According to documents filed in federal court, MATTHEWS operated a small tax preparer business from her home in Violet, Louisiana. And from 2013 through 2015, MATTHEWS, aided and assisted numerous federal income tax filers in preparing and filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.

The maximum penalty for aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns is three 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 victim. United States District Judge Susie Morgan set the sentencing hearing for May 2, 2018.       

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL SANDERS, age 36, of Reserve, pled guilty today to charges relating to narcotics trafficking. 

According to court documents, SANDERS conspired with others to distribute cocaine base (“crack”). SANDERS faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for May 3, 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. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that RODNEY BROWN, age 22 and MICHAEL PORTIS, 27, both of New Orleans, pled guilty to carjacking related charges.  PORTIS pled guilty to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a carjacking and BROWN pled guilty to carjacking.

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 in the 5000 block of 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.

PORTIS faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and up to five years on supervised release.  BROWN faces up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years on supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier scheduled PORTIS and BROWN to be sentenced on May 17, 2018.