Eastern District of Louisiana

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JORGE GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, age 33, a native of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien.

According to court documents, GARCIA was previously removed from the United States on April 21, 2012. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on September 15, 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.

GARCIA 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 Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for March 1, 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 STEPHAN MITCHEL THOMAS, age 22, of Holden, Louisiana, was charged with federal firearms violations and Hobbs Act robberies in a seven-count indictment.

According to the indictment, THOMAS committed robberies in violation of Title 18, United States Code 1951(a) on July 11, 2016 and September 1, 2016, and brandished firearms during these robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code 924(c).   The indictment also alleges that, on August 31, 2016, THOMAS possessed a firearm silencer, a short-barrel rifle, and a sawed-off shotgun, without registering these firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861. 

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.

If convicted, THOMAS faces, as to each count of Hobbs Act robbery, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.  As to each count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, THOMAS faces a minimum sentence of seven years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. As to each count of possessing unregistered firearms, THOMAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. 

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Shirin Hakimzadeh.

YONI LOPEZ-ROJAS, age 25, a citizen Guatemala, pleaded guilty today to a one-count bill of information for illegal use of a Social Security Number in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

YONI LOPEZ-ROJAS 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, Mr. LOPEZ –ROJAS is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years.  Sentencing has been scheduled for March 7, 2018.

According to the indictment, on September 6, 2017, YONI LOPEZ-ROJAS 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 pipe insulator. 

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 MISAEL BERNAL, age 32, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged in a one-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.

According to the indictment, on or about December 26, 2017, BERNAL, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a Hi-Point, Model C-9, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, as well as 9mm ammunition. 

 If convicted of these charges, BERNAL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. 

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that THORNE BROWN, age 30, of Gramercy, and EDWIN WATSON, age 36, of LaPlace, were indicted on January 26, 2018 by a federal grand jury for charges of distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.  The indictment was unsealed on January 31, 2018.

According to the indictment, since October 9, 2017, BROWN and WATSON conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine and more than five hundred grams of a mixture containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine. In addition, BROWN and WATSON are charged with more than fifty grams of methamphetamine and more than five hundred grams of a mixture containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine on October 17, 2017. If convicted of these charges, the defendants face a term of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life.

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 JARON BIAS, age 25, of New Orleans, has been charged in a multiple count indictment which charges him in a heroin conspiracy for distributing heroin in the Black Pearl neighborhood in New Orleans and in Jefferson Parish.

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating BIAS in August 2017 when the agency received information from an informant that BIAS was selling large quantities of heroin.  The government has charged BIAS with distributing a kilogram of heroin over the span of the conspiracy. The government also charged BIAS with distributing heroin that caused the death of a 33 year old man in 2015.  If convicted of this charge, BIAS faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe 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 praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, 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 MICHAEL SPEARS, age 53, of New Orleans, was sentenced to five (5) years probation by the Honorable U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman today for making false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and theft of government funds in violation of 18 USC § 641.

According to court documents, SPEARS was a contractor for homeowners eligible to receive grants funded by FEMA through the Home Mitigation Grant Program, also known as the HMGP. These grants would allow homeowners to elevate their houses to prevent catastrophic damage from future natural disasters. In  2011  and  2012,  each  elevation  grant  from  HMGP  was  worth  up  to $100,000.00 with contractors and homeowners being entitled to an advanced payment of 80% of the grant prior to a contractor doing any elevation work. The HMGP expected homeowners receiving HMGP grants to commit their $30,000.00 Road Home elevation grant to the total cost of the elevation.

In 2011, SPEARS signed contracts with multiple homeowners in the Eastern District of Louisiana to elevate their homes through the HMGP.  For many of these contracts, SPEARS received advanced payments from the HMGP prior to starting the elevation work. For at least two contracts, the homeowners gave him Road Home elevation funds prior to HGMP approving their grants or giving them an advanced payment. 

On or about May 5, 2012, SPEARS was placed on a restricted status with the HMGP that prohibited him from getting any advanced payments on new elevation contracts because he was significantly out of compliance with a number of his pending elevation projects.  On or about July 20, 2012, in an effort to be removed from his restricted status with the HMGP, SPEARS falsely represented to the program that certain funding recipients had requested that their elevation be delayed when, in truth and in fact, they had not requested a delay.  In August 2012, the HMGP removed SPEARS from restricted status on representations from him that he would have the properties completed by the end of 2012. 

However, as of 2013, SPEARS had still failed to do any work on at least 3 properties for which he had received $118,000.00 in federal funds, including the two properties for which he had received the Road Home elevation funds as down payment.  Despite demands, SPEARS has not returned the funds to the government or the homeowners.

 As part of the sentence imposed, SPEARS was ordered to pay $118, 000 in restitution.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security-OIG, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SALVADOR TENOCO-RODRIGUEZ age 40, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced SALVADOR TENOCO-RODRIGUEZ to 30 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release, $5,000.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment.

According to the Bill of Information, on or about August 29, 2017, SALVADOR TENOCO-RODRIGUEZ was found in the United States after having been officially deported.  He was ordered removed and deported on or about October 27, 2006.

 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 that YONI LAGOS, age 25, 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 Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced LAGOS to the maximum sentence, 2 years, followed by one year of supervised release, a $100 special assessment fee, and a $5,000 fine. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings after he completes his sentence.  

According to court documents, on March 21, 2017, LAGOS was found in the United States after having been previously deported from the United States on January 13, 2016.

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ZOE WILLIAMS, age 25, has pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery with a Firearm in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 371.  The defendant faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years in the Bureau of Prisons, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution to the victim bank in this case.

 

WILLIAMS admitted that she was working as a teller at the Chase Bank drive-up location at the intersection of Gentilly Boulevard and Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans in December of 2014, when she gave her boyfriend, Casey Johnson, and his associates information on how to rob the bank.  On December 20, 2014, Casey Johnson acted as the get-away driver when his brother, Walter Johnson, and friend, Jay Lyons, entered the Chase Bank drive-up location at the intersection of Gentilly Boulevard and Elysian Fields Avenue and robbed the tellers at gunpoint of $196,715 in cash.               

 

The U.S. Attorney wishes to thank the hard work of the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and David Haller are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CRAIG A. TAFFARO, age 70, of Harvey, a former Chief Deputy for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, was convicted of all charges alleged in a Superseding Indictment. TAFFARO was found guilty of six counts of tax evasion, five counts of filing a false tax return, and one count of failing to file a tax return.

 

The jury found that TAFFARO willfully attempted to evade tax due and owing by filing returns with false and exaggerated business expenses for tax years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, and by causing the filing of a false estimate of his tax liability for tax year 2014. The jury also found that TAFFARO willfully failed to file a tax return when required by law for tax year 2014.

 

TAFFARO faces maximum terms of imprisonment of five years for each count of tax evasion, three years for each count of filing a false return, and one year for failure to file a tax return. Sentencing is set for April 4, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Chandra Menon, Tracey Knight, and David Sinkman are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a federal grand jury has returned a six-count Second Superseding Indictment charging DWIGHT ALEXANDER, age 46, of New Orleans, with one count of conspiring to traffic 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; two counts of distributing a quantity of heroin; one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of structuring. 

 

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

 

If convicted of the heroin and cocaine conspiracy, ALEXANDER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a fine of not more than $20,000,000, and at least 10 years of supervised release.  If convicted of either count of distributing heroin, ALEXANDER faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release.  If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, ALEXANDER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than 5 years of supervised release.  If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, ALEXANDER faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than 3 years of supervised release.  And if convicted of structuring, ALEXANDER faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than 3 years of supervised release. 

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Kenner Police Department, and Border Patrol in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and Theodore Carter are responsible for the prosecution.

  

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced ALEX ROSEN, age 37, of D’Iberville, Mississippi, to 60 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to four counts of distribution of five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine.

 

According to court documents, on four occasions between April 3, 2012, and July 12, 2012, ROSEN distributed methamphetamine in excess of five grams to a confidential source and an undercover agent working under the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  In total, ROSEN distributed approximately sixty grams of methamphetamine in quantities ranging from six grams to nearly one ounce during that three month period to the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

 

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARCIO RODOLFO OCHOA-BORJAS (OCHOA-BORJAS) age 31, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation.

        

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced OCHOA-BORJAS to 5 months imprisonment and payment of a mandatory $100.00 special assessment.

 

According to the Bill of Information, on or about June 30, 2017, OCHOA-BORJAS was found in the United States after having been officially deported.  He was ordered removed and deported on or about August 16, 2012.

 

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 CASEY JOHNSON, age 27, has pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Robbery with a Firearm in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Sections 2113(a) and (d) and 2.  The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in the Bureau of Prisons, five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution to the victim bank in this case.

 

On December 20, 2014, two tellers at the Chase Bank drive-up location at the intersection of Gentilly Boulevard and Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans reported that two armed and masked men entered the bank and robbed the location of $196,715 in cash.  CASEY JOHNSON admitted to being the get-away driver when his brother, Walter Johnson and friend, Jay Lyons, entered the bank and committed the robbery.                 

 

The U.S. Attorney wishes to thank the hard work of the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit in investigating the matter.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and David Haller.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, announces the filing of charges against LEXY LOPEZ-BATEMAN, age 40, of Slidell. 

 

According to court documents, LOPEZ-BATEMAN was an employee of the United States Postal Service when she suffered an on-the-job injury in 2015.  She was therefore entitled to workers compensation benefits, including costs of travel to and from medical appointments.  However, beginning in 2015, she submitted fraudulent requests for reimbursement for travel that never occurred.  She continued to submit these fraudulent requests for reimbursement through June 2017.  In total, LOPEZ-BATEMAN defrauded the U.S. government of $16,851.10.

 

LOPEZ-BATEMAN was charged January 23, 2018 in a bill of information with one count of making false statements to obtain federal workers’ compensation benefits, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1920.  If convicted, she faces a maximum of 5 years in prison, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. 

 

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

        

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the investigation as the product of the efforts of the U.S. Postal Services Office of Inspector General.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne.

 

KYRA D. MORRIS-GRIFFITH, (MORRIS-GRIFFITH), age 37, of New Orleans, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  MORRIS-GRIFFITH previously pled guilty to a one (1) count Ninth Superseding Bill of Information for false statements made to an agency of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2), a felony.  MORRIS-GRIFFITH was sentenced to pay a fine of $1,000 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

 

According to court documents, MORRIS-GRIFFITH knowingly and willfully made materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations in a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the executive branch of the United States Government, to wit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”).  Specifically, in response to questioning by the FBI, MORRIS-GRIFFITH falsely denied that on May 7, 2014, she and her father, W.D., saw and met with Gregory Denson, her uncle, who was at the Brown Derby Super Store located at Jefferson Davis Parkway and Tulane Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana for the purpose of learning the whereabouts of E.B. and MORRIS-GRIFFITH’s silver Infinity QX-56 SUV when, in fact, she did. The FBI’s questioning of MORRIS-GRIFFITH was in connection with an ongoing investigation of Gregory Denson for serious drug and violent crime related offenses. 

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department led Multi-Agency Gang Unit in investigating this matter.

 

Assistant United States Attorneys Michael M. Simpson, Gregory Kennedy, and James Baehr were in charge of the prosecution of the defendant.

 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TERRELL CARNEY, age 36, of New Orleans, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

 

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced CARNEY to 180 months imprisonment.

 

On July 25, 2014, CARNEY was one of 12 defendants charged in a 23-count indictment. According to court documents, this investigation targeted a heroin trafficking organization operating in New Orleans East. This organization was responsible for distributing at least 15 kilograms of heroin in New Orleans.  Agents seized approximately $1,200,000 in assets (a combination of vehicles, currency, jewelry and real property) from members of this drug trafficking organization that were acquired with proceeds made from the sale of heroin.

 

Co-defendants include:

 

LARRY HARDY pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 90 months incarceration.

 

AMBROSE WILLIAMS pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 120 months incarceration.

 

ANTOINETTE KELLY pled guilty to distribution of heroin and was sentenced to 15 months incarceration.

 

CHRISTOPHER FRANCIS pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 240 months incarceration.

 

RODNEY MACK pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 120 months incarceration.

 

THOMAS HARRISON pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 144 months incarceration.

 

VINCENT P. JONES pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 180 months incarceration.

 

BETH MARIE NGUYEN pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 36 months incarceration.

 

RICKY MARQUETTE BOZEMAN pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and was sentenced to 144 months incarceration.

 

MICHAEL SORINA pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 120 months incarceration.

 

ANTWINE SMITH pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and is scheduled to be sentenced on 5/31/2018.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Kenner Police Department, and Border Patrol in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.

EFRAIN VARELA-TOLENTINO, age 31, a citizen of Mexico was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to illegal use of a Social Security Number in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo sentenced VARELA time served to be followed by one year of supervised release.  VARELA will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to court documents, VARELA illegally used a Social Security number that was not assigned to him by the Social Security Administration to register for a safety training class that he was required to complete before he could begin working for his employer at various industrial sites as a pipe insulator.

 

U.S. Attorney 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 BRIAN LISTER, age 41, of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 72 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with receipt of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.  LISTER was sentenced to pay $7,500 in restitution, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  LISTER was also ordered to register as a sex offender.

 

According to court documents, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at LISTER’S residence on July 23, 2015, after obtaining information that LISTER had repeatedly accessed a website dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of child pornography.  During the search, the FBI seized numerous electronic items including one laptop computer and one external digital storage device that contained images and videos of child pornography.  A forensic examination of the device revealed that LISTER used the devices to search for, download, and save images and videos of children as young as approximately two (2) year old engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  LISTER obtained most, if not all, of the images and videos via a via a peer-to-peer file sharing program.  The forensic examination located approximately 1,148 images and 1 videos of prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit on LISTER’S electronic devices.

 

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.

 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FREDERICK FLOYD, D.O., age 58, a physician who practiced and resided in New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a two-count Bill of Information charging him with illegally dispensing controlled substances and money laundering. 

 

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced FLOYD to ten years (120 months) imprisonment.

 

According to court documents, DR. FLOYD illegally dispensed and conspired with others to illegally dispense controlled substances, including Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and other controlled substances.  The original charge, contained in a complaint filed in court, states that DR. FLOYD dispensed more than 4.8 million dosages of controlled substances by prescriptions between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016.  At least half of this quantity was distributed illegally by DR.FLOYD.

 

As part of the sentence imposed, FLOYD was ordered to forfeit over $42,000 in property seized, currency, and real property. Additionally, the Court imposed a forfeiture money judgment against FLOYD in the amount of $2,500,880.41.

 

“Let DR. FLOYD’s conviction and forfeiture money judgement serve as notice to anyone who chooses to illegally distribute prescription opioids that your criminal acts will not be tolerated.  The Department of Justice, the Eastern District of Louisiana, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners are committed to battling the opioid epidemic.  The investigation and prosecution of these types of cases remains one of the top priorities of this office,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans

 

“Dr. Frederick Floyd took an oath to serve humanity as an educated medical professional and decided to violate that oath and his duty by choosing to peddle prescription drugs for one sole purpose – greed.   His disgraceful conduct is part of the massive opioid epidemic faced by the entire nation and the greater New Orleans area today.  More than 116 Americans are dying every day from an opioid overdose and the deaths are continuing to rise.  Let this lengthy sentence be a message to all that DEA will continue to pursue, arrest, and prosecute drug traffickers of every type, including rouge medical professionals. We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement and community partners in an effort to combat this opioid epidemic and keep our communities safe,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.  

 

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARVIN OYUELA LOPEZ, age 30, a citizen of Honduras, was charged today in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a).

 

According to the indictment, MARVIN OYUELA LOPEZ reentered the United States after having been previously removed on December 10, 2013. 

 

If convicted, MARVIN OYUELA LOPEZ 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.

 

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 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 JOSE CARPIO, age 32, and LUIS ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ, age 22, both of Baytown, Texas, were sentenced after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. HERNANDEZ additionally had pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.

 

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced CARPIO to 46 months imprisonment, and HERNANDEZ to 60 months imprisonment.

 

On October 27, 2016, CARPIO and HERNANDEZ were two of four defendants charged in a two-count indictment. According to court documents, this investigation resulted in the seizure of 4,971 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, which the defendants had agreed to deliver from Texas to Covington, Louisiana.

 

Co-defendants include:

 

JUAN CHAVEZ, who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride and to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of hydrochloride, for which he was sentenced to 60 months incarceration.

 

JOACOBO JOSE SANTOS, who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, for which he awaits sentencing on March 22, 2018.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Sandman and James Baehr are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIMOTHY JOHNSON, age 35, a resident of Avondale, was sentenced January 23, 2018 after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of heroin.

 

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced JOHNSON to a term of imprisonment of 60 months, 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

 

According to court documents, a search warrant executed at JOHNSON’s residence in 2013 discovered approximately 150 grams of cocaine, other controlled substances, and paraphernalia associated with the distribution of narcotics. A subsequent investigation in 2015 led to the interception of a package containing heroin intended for JOHNSON’s distribution

 

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Jefferson 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 LESTER MALAVA, age 57, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today before the Honorable Kurt D. Engelhardt, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with bank robbery.

 

According to court papers, MALAVA robbed the Capital One Bank at 3540 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans on August 21, 2017.  MALAVA was identified on an FBI tip line and later turned himself in to authorities.  He faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Sentencing is set before Chief Judge Engelhardt on April 25, 2018.

 

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GUADALUPE HERRERA-PEREZ, age 41, a citizen of Mexico, was charged yesterday in a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of 8 U.S.C. '' 1326(a) and (b)(2).

 

According to the bill of information, GUADALUPE HERRERA-PEREZ reentered the United States prior to on or about November 26, 2017, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about January 28, 1998.  

 

If convicted, GUADALUPE HERRERA-PEREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

 

U. S. 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 U.S. District Judge Martin L. C. Feldman sentenced LORI DEXTER, age 53, of Decatur, Georgia, to 60 months’ imprisonment 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 7, 2013, DEXTER and an associate, James Woolf, agreed to drive from Georgia to Metairie, Louisiana to deliver one-half pound of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.  After DEXTER and Woolf arrived in Metairie, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of their vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents found approximately 600 grams of a methamphetamine cutting agent.  After obtaining a search warrant for DEXTER and Woolf’s hotel room, agents searched the room and found 250 grams of methamphetamine.

 

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIFFANY RICHARDSON, age 30, of Chalmette, Louisiana, was charged by way of a Bill of Information with one count of disaster relief fraud.

 

According to the charging document, RICHARDSON applied for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration following tornadoes that struck Oklahoma in 2013. She falsely claimed that she had a primary residence in an affected area of Oklahoma, when in fact, RICHARDSON lived in Chalmette, which is within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

 

RICHARDSON faces a sentence of up to thirty (30) years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.  The matter has been allotted to U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security for their investigation of the matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.

RANDOLPH ARD (“ARD”), age 62, of Kentwood, Louisiana, was indicted today for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

 

On November 22, 2017, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested ARD at his Kentwood home after finding that ARD was in possession of several items, including a laptop computer and thumb drive that contained images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. 

 

Court records also revealed that ARD was previously convicted in Tangipahoa Parish Criminal District Court for pornography involving juveniles and indecent behavior with juveniles on March 6, 2013.  ARD was on state parole supervision at the time of his arrest.

           

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, ARD 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.

 

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 Louisiana Probation and Parole 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 TONY RILEY, age 49, of Empire, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to committing mail fraud in relation to the BP settlement fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.

 

According to court documents, RILEY submitted a claim for lost profits from his seafood business to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) and the Deepwater Horizon Economic Claims Center (DHECC).  Initially, due to RILEY’S incomplete information, GCCF made a “Quick Pay” settlement offer of $25,000.00.  RILEY did not accept that offer and subsequently submitted additional records that included false information to the GCCF and DHECC.  In those records, RILEY inflated his income from his seafood business in 2009 in order to qualify for additional reimbursement from the settlement fund.  In March 2013, due to the fraudulent information that RILEY submitted, the DHECC sent RILEY checks worth a total settlement of $221,681.62.

 

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  Sentencing is set for April 19, 2018 before Judge Milazzo.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Secret Service New Orleans Field Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT RICKS, age 36, of New Orleans, was sentenced to twenty-five years in the Bureau of Prisons by Honorable Judge Carl J. Barbier today after being convicted in a two day trial for his role in conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, possessing heroin and crack with the intent to distribute, possessing a gun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  

 

According to the evidence presented at trial, RICKS conspired with several other individuals to distribute crack cocaine and heroin in the fall of 2014 and early 2015.  The case began when the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) received a Crimestoppers tip about RICKS’s drug trafficking activity in early February 2015.  NOPD officers initiated surveillance and observed RICKS dealing from a house at the corner of Belleville and De Armas streets.  They then secured a search warrant for the house where RICKS lived and found heroin, crack cocaine, a loaded pistol, scales, $3,600 in cash, and various other paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking.  RICKS was arrested on state charges following the search.  The state charges were ultimately adopted for federal prosecution after RICKS became a target in a parallel Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ investigation focused in Algiers. 

 

RICKS was sentenced to a total of twenty-five years in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by eight years of supervised release. 

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Myles Ranier were responsible for the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENZIE FAULK, age 58, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to an Indictment charging him with possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon and conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute. 

 

According to court documents, on October 16, 2016, FAULK, a convicted felon, attempted to board a Southwest Airlines flight, departing from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, while he was in possession of a fully loaded revolver.  TSA personnel located the weapon in a bag that FAULK was attempting to carry aboard the plane, which was destined to Los Angeles.  TSA personnel became aware that a gun was inside of the bag when the TSA x-ray scan machine alerted to its presence. TSA agents confiscated the gun prior to FAULK boarding the plane.

 

In the days following his arrest, members of the FBI learned that FAULK was trafficking marijuana though the U.S. postal service.  FBI agents conducted a search of FAULK’s residence and located a wooden crate that had been shipped from Los Angeles to New Orleans.  After executing a search warrant, FBI agents located and confiscated three cellophane wrapped packages of high-grade marijuana inside of the crate, which was addressed to FAULK.

 

For the charge of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, FAULK faced a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.  For his participation in the drug conspiracy, FAULK faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.  Judge Nannette Jolivette-Brown will sentence FAULK on April 5, 2018.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the TSA 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 TIMOTHY JACKSON, age 28, a native of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 10th to violations of the Federal Drug Control Act, Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) for possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), possession of  a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

 

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

 

For the possession with intent to distribute heroin charge, JACKSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. 

 

For the convicted felon in possession of firearm charge. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

        

Finally, for the possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, JACKSON faces a sentence of at least five years in addition to the sentence he receives for the underlying drug possession with intent to distribute charge.

 

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. Michael Simpson is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRANDON SMITH, age 30, and CHELSIE WILLIAMS, age 24, residents of New Orleans, were sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer.

 

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced SMITH to a term of imprisonment of 42 months, 3 years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. WILLIAMS was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 36 months, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

 

According to court documents, in April 2016, SMITH and WILLIAMS obtained two firearms. SMITH and WILLIAMS later pawned one of the firearms. In September 2016, they returned to the pawn shop and attempted to redeem the weapon. WILLIAMS, acting in concert with SMITH, falsely stated that she was the actual buyer/transferee for the firearm and that she was not a convicted felon.

 

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 was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JEFFERY GATLIN, age 52, of Independence, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with embezzling Social Security disability benefits.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced GATLIN to three years of probation and ordered him to pay back the $102,510.40 in disability benefits that that he stole.

According to court documents, between March 2011 and October 2016, GATLIN embezzled $102,510.40 in Social Security Title II benefit payments, knowing that he was not entitled to these funds.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Social Security Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Howard Sinkman was in charge of the prosecution.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LAZARO VILLATORO-BODDEN (“VILLATORO-BODDEN”), age 36, pleaded guilty on January 10, 2018, to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal use of a social security number in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). 

 

According to court records, VILLATORO-BODDEN 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 VILLATORO-BODDEN 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 boat registration documents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. At sentencing, which is currently set for April 11, 2018, VILLATORO-BODDEN 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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTOPHER HUTTON, age 26, of Hammond, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

 

United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced HUTTON to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.    

 

According to court documents, HUTTON, who had previously been convicted of a felony in Tangipahoa Parish, possessed at total of eight firearms on June 6, 2016 and June 8, 2016.  

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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 ALEXANDER CASTRO, age 43, of Cape Coral, Florida, was sentenced on January 11, 2018 after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. 

 

United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced CASTRO to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.    

 

According to court documents, CASTRO was stopped on Interstate 12 in Tangipahoa Parish on December 15, 2015.  After searching his vehicle, law enforcement seized approximately 6.9 kilograms of cocaine from a hidden compartment.  Law enforcement learned that CASTRO was transporting cocaine and drug proceeds between Florida and Texas. 

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.

NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EDDIE JAMES, age 40, of New Orleans, was charged last week in a one-count Bill of Information with bank robbery.

 

According to the Bill of Information, JAMES robbed the Fidelity Homestead Bank at 1201 S. Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans on November 2, 2017. 

 

If convicted, JAMES 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 a Bill of Information 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 David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMES SIGLAR, age 40, of Lockport, pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  

 

On August 25, 2016, SIGLAR and his codefendant, DAMIEN CLARK, had been charged in a five-count Indictment with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and using cell phones in furtherance of their drug operation.  On October 4, 2017, Clark pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Clark is scheduled for sentencing on March 14, 2018. 

 

SIGLAR is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as a possible fine of up to $1,000,000.  U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman will sentence SIGLAR on April 18, 2018. 

 

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WADE YBARZABAL, age 56, of Mandeville, was charged by way of a Bill of Information with one count of filing a false tax return.

 

According to the charging document, YBARZABAL failed to pay the appropriate amount of taxes for the 2012 tax year.  YBARZABAL faces up to three years of incarceration, a fine of up to $250,000, and one year of supervised release.

 

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

 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera and Trial Attorney for the Department of Justice, Tax Division Grace Albinson are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RENE AMAYA-RAMOS, age 40, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal re-entry of removed alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced AMAYA-RAMOS to 24 months’ imprisonment.

        

According to the court documents, on December 6, 2016, AMAYA-RAMOS was found in the United States after having been deported previously on December 13, 2012.  

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RONY NOE DIAZ-MAZARIEGOS, age 27, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with Illegal use of a Social Security Number.

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced DIAZ-MAZARIEGOS to credit for time served.  DIAZ-MAZARIEGOS will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings 

According to court documents, on September 6, 2017, agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security arrested DIAZ-MAZARIEGOS at a safety training facility in St. Rose.  DIAZ-MAZARIEGOS admitted to having used a fraudulent Social Security card and his alias to attend the training course which he was required to take before he could start working as an insulation contractor.  DIAZ-MAZARIEGOS was found in possession of a Tennessee identification card as well as a Social Security card which was not assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security.

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

WASHINGTON – A New Orleans woman was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for her involvement in a $2 million home health kickback scheme carried out through eight companies at nursing homes in four states in the Southeastern United States.

 

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting 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.

 

Kim Ricard, 51, of Gonzales, Louisiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who also ordered Ricard to pay $1.958 million in restitution.  On Sept. 7, 2017, the defendant was convicted of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, three counts of receiving kickbacks, three counts of identity theft and one count of making false statements to federal agents.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2013, Kim Ricard and others engaged in a scheme to refer mentally ill Medicare patients to home health agencies in and around New Orleans in exchange for kickbacks.  The evidence further established that Ricard unlawfully used the Medicare identification information of three Medicare beneficiaries in connection with the scheme.  Ricard then made false statements to federal investigators about her conduct, the evidence showed.  As a result of the scheme, Ricard’s co-conspirator caused Medicare to pay over $1.9 million based on those illegally-obtained referrals.

Co-defendant Milton Diaz, 65, of Harvey, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017 and is awaiting sentencing.    

The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and brought by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kate Payerle and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

 

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged over 3,000 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for over $11 billion.  In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

 

To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

A New Orleans woman was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for her involvement in a $2 million home health kickback scheme carried out through a New Orleans area home health agency.

 

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting 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.

 

Kim Ricard, 51, of Gonzales, Louisiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who also ordered Ricard to pay $1.958 million in restitution.  On Sept. 12, 2017, the defendant was convicted of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, three counts of receiving kickbacks, three counts of identity theft and one count of making false statements to federal agents.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2013, Kim Ricard and others engaged in a scheme to refer mentally ill Medicare patients to home health agencies in and around New Orleans in exchange for kickbacks.  The evidence further established that Ricard unlawfully used the Medicare identification information of three Medicare beneficiaries in connection with the scheme.  Ricard then made false statements to federal investigators about her conduct, the evidence showed.  As a result of the scheme, Ricard’s co-conspirator caused Medicare to pay over $1.9 million based on those illegally-obtained referrals.

 

Co-defendant Milton Diaz, 65, of Harvey, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017 and is awaiting sentencing.    

 

The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and brought by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kate Payerle and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

 

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged over 3,000 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for over $11 billion.  In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JILL ANDRAS LEBLANC, a/k/a JILL FREMIN, age 41, of Thibodaux, pled guilty today one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government funds.

According to court documents, LEBLANC was charged by a Superseding Bill of Information on December 19, 2017.  LEBLANC stole several hundred thousand dollars from her mother's retirement account.  More specifically, the defendant was appointed power of attorney on October 29, 2008 for her mother who was terminally ill with cancer.  The defendant's father, an oil field worker, had accumulated a substantial individual retirement account (IRA) during his working life.  He passed away several years prior to 2011.  This investment account was managed by a national brokerage house whose home offices are in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  During the defendant's administration of her mother's account, she stole approximately $369,701 from the account and spent it on personal, frivolous items.

In addition to the wire fraud, LEBLANC also pled guilty to theft of a Social Security disability check in the amount of $13,500 meant for her disabled sister. 

LEBLANC faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment on the wire fraud count, and/or a fine of $250,000, and up to three 3 years of supervised release.  On the theft of government property, LEBLANC faces 10 years imprisonment.  LEBLANC will be ordered to pay restitution.  U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for April 11, 2018.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Louisiana State Inspector General in investigating this matter and thanked the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.   Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN DECUIR, age 23, of Brownsville, Texas, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute and to possesses 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 over 28 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride. 

 

RANGEL and ESQUIVEL each previously pled guilty to the same charges.  They are scheduled to be sentenced on February 28, 2018, and March 28, 2018, respectively. 

 

DECUIR faces a sentence of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life.  U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle will sentence DECUIR on April 11, 2018.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRANDON SMITH, age 36, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced SMITH to 139 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.

 

According to court documents, on September 28, 2016, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested SMITH at a local hotel located on Chef Menteur Highway.  SMITH was in possession of 13.6 grams of heroin and approximately $3,837.20 in cash.  Additionally, inside of the vehicle driven by SMITH, agents found drug paraphernalia and a FN Herstal 5.7 x 28 caliber firearm with an extended magazine and a separate fully loaded handgun magazine.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI and DHS/HSI for investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Knight and Irene Gonzalez were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE MANUEL MAZON-DE DIOS, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced MAZON-DE DIOS to eleven months imprisonment, to be followed by one year of supervised release.  Following completion of his sentence, MAZON-DE DIOS will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.          

 

According to court documents, MAZON-DE DIOS, reentered the United States after he was previously deported on April 5, 2013.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERNESTO CONTRERAS-REYES, age 43, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to illegal use of a Social Security Number.

CONTRERAS-REYES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.  Additionally, CONTRERAS-REYES is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney 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.