Eastern District of Louisiana

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAMIEN JACKSON, age 36, pled guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

 

According to court documents, JACKSON was arrested in July 2016, after coordinating the mailing of over 400 grams of methamphetamine to Houma through the U.S. Postal Service.

 

JACKSON faces a minimum term of five years of imprisonment and a maximum term of forty years of imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney James S. C. Baehr is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RENE AMAYA-RAMOS, age 40, a citizen of Honduras pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal re-entry of removed alien.

        

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.  

 

AMAYA-RAMOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a fine of $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.   U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for January 3, 2018.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield is in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MATTHEW PERE, age 33, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to production of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children. 

 

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced PERE to 336 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release.  Additionally, PERE was ordered to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

 

According to court documents, PERE victimized eight females between the ages of 12 and 17 years-old he met via the internet and various social media applications.  During a search at PERE’S residence, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized his cellular phone and laptop computer that contained images and videos of the victims, including numerous video chat conversations between PERE and the victims in which he recorded them engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  After identifying the victims, agents determined that PERE met at least one of the minors and engaged in sexual activity with her, including forcibly choking her, which PERE recorded with his laptop computer.  PERE met a second victim when she was approximately fourteen years-old via a messaging application.  PERE successfully encouraged her to send him sexually explicit images and videos, and she complied.  According to her statement to law enforcement officials, when she refused to continue sending sexually explicit material to PERE, he threatened to send the images she had already taken to her mother if she did not take additional, increasingly graphic sexually explicit images and videos of herself and send them to him.

 

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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOPPA JACKSON,  age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to  conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine.

 

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JOPPA JACKSON to 78 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

 

According to court documents, JOPPA JACKSON, along with codefendants CRAIG JAMES, LAZANDY DANIELS, and LEON JACKSON, JR., conspired to distribute cocaine in the New Orleans area.  In 2015, JAMES, who is from Houston, traveled to New Orleans multiple times per month in order to deliver multi-kilogram quantities of powder cocaine to his local customers, including JOPPA JACKSON, DANIELS, and LEON JACKSON, JR.  JOPPA JACKSON, DANIELS, and LEON JACKSON, JR. then sold the cocaine to users and other drug dealers in the New Orleans area.

 

JAMES was sentenced to 156 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. LEON JACKSON, JR. was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  DANIELS was convicted by a jury and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2017.               

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and Theodore Carter are in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROMAN WILLIAMS, age 36, of Pensacola, Florida, pled guilty today to a two-count Bill of Information charging him with theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft.

 

According to court documents, WILLIAMS falsified federal student loan applications using stolen identities and then used the stolen student aid monies for his own personal use.

 

For theft of government funds WILLIAMS faces a maximum 10 years imprisonment, followed by up to 3 years supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and a $100 special assessment.

 

For aggravated identity theft WILLIAMS faces a two-year consecutive term of imprisonment, followed by up to one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set the sentencing hearing for December 21, 2017.  

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Education, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIMOTHY JOHNSON, age 35, pled guilty yesterday to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

 

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.

 

JOHNSON faces a minimum term of five years of imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

 

Acting 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 U.S. Attorney James S. C. Baehr is in charge of the prosecution.

Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” 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.

 

In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.

 

In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said:

 

"According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action.

 

“Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.

 

“Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.

 

“Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U.S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer."

 

The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:

 

-Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime – The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.

 

-More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants) – As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

 

-Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative –The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes  creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions.  Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.

 

-Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners –The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others.  To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources. 

 

-Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts.  These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, AZ, and Kansas City, MO. 

 

-Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program – The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year.  Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BLAIR ANDERSON, age 42, of Houma, pled guilty today to an Indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

 

According to court documents, in January 2015, following a series of controlled narcotic purchases, ANDERSON was arrested at his home.  Pursuant to a search warrant of ANDERSON’s home, agents found approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and paraphernalia associated with drug use and distribution.

 

ANDERSON faces a minimum term of five years of imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, and Houma Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James S. C. Baehr is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MAURICIO RODRIGUEZ-BORJAS, age 38, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal re-entry of removed  alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced RODRIGUEZ-BORJAS to time served and one year supervised release.  RODRIGUEZ-BORJAS will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to the court documents, on June 1, 2017, RODRIGUEZ-BORJAS, was found in the United States after having been deported previously on October 28, 2013.  

 

Acting 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 JAWAN FORTIA, a/k/a “Tittie” and “Wine,” age 24, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously been found guilty of violating the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act “RICO” as well as drug conspiracy, firearms conspiracy, and murder charges. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced FORTIA to serve life in prison.

  

In June of 2017, FORTIA, DEDRICK KEELEN, LIONEL ALLEN, BRYAN SCOTT and DELWIN MCLAREN were convicted following a 7-day trial.  According to evidence presented at trial, FORTIA was a member of the “Young Melph Mafia” gang, also referred to as “YMM.”  The YMM gang was initially formed in or about 2005 and continued to exist through 2014.  During the course of the federal investigation into the gang, agents learned that the defendants controlled an area of Central City New Orleans along Martin Luther King Boulevard near the former Melpomene Housing Development.  The gang, which started when the members were in their early teens, participated in a wide ranging conspiracy to distribute street level quantities of crack cocaine in Central City and participated in several acts of violence against rival gangs, such as the 110ers.  The members of the YMM were associates of the members of the Allen family, who were also indicted and convicted in federal court in 2014.  Three members of the 110ers gang were convicted on January 29, 2015, in Orleans Parish Criminal Court for the Briana Allen shooting.

 

The jury found FORTIA guilty of conspiracy to commit RICO violations, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, conspiracy to possess firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes, assault with a dangerous weapon and one murder.  Specifically, FORTIA was convicted of participating in the drive-by shooting death of Vennie “Funk” Smith that occurred on April 22, 2012, on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

 

FORTIA was one of eleven defendants originally charged in August of 2014 in a superseding indictment involving gun and drug conspiracies. Five YMM defendants pled guilty to the conspiracy charges and were sentenced. JACOBI “CO” BOYD was sentenced to 480 months of incarceration; ALFRED “AL” COBBINS was sentenced to 252 months of incarceration; SHAWN “GUNNER” GRACIN was sentenced to 270 months of incarceration; RUBEN “RUE” GEIGER was sentenced to 220 months of incarceration; DARIUS “D-MAN” WILLIAMS was sentenced to 156 months of incarceration; and DEONTRE “SOULJA” HILLS was sentenced to 96 months of incarceration. In August of 2015, federal RICO and murder charges were added against the remaining defendants in a second superseding indictment. JEFFREY WILSON pled guilty to only drug charges and was sentenced to 180 months of incarceration.  DEDRICK KEELEN was sentenced to life plus 10 years last week after being convicted of multiple counts at trial. LIONEL ALLEN, BRYAN SCOTT, and DELWIN MCLAREN, who went to trial with FORTIA, are awaiting sentencing.

 

“The life sentence that was handed down today is another victory in the battle against violent crime for ATF, our law enforcement partners, and more importantly, the citizens of New Orleans,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols.   

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the metro area’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MAG) in investigating this matter.  As an integral component of NOLA FOR LIFE’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the MAG Unit consists of a partnership with New Orleans Police Department (NOPD); Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (DA); Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Parole Board of the Louisiana Department of Corrections; United States Attorney’s Office (USAO); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); United States Marshal’s Service (USMS); and the United States Probation & Parole Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Rivera, Nolan Paige, and Nicholas Moses were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that TIM NALL, age 62, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday in a one-count Bill of Information with receipt of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.

 

If convicted, NALL faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  NALL can also be required to register as a sex offender.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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.

 

Acting 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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVID KLIMENKO, age 29, of Houma, pled guilty today to Failure to Register as a Convicted Sex Offender and Distribution of Child Pornography.

 

According to court records, KLIMENKO was previously convicted of Sex Offense in the Third Degree (engaging in vaginal intercourse with another if the victim is 14 or 15 years old, and the person performing the act is at least 21 years old), in violation of CR 3-307(a)(5) of the Annotated Code of Maryland, in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland under Case No. 02-CR-15-547.  KLIMENKO's Maryland conviction required him to register as a sex offender and complete Sex Offender Registration Forms (“Registration Form”).  If KLIMENKO elected to move from Maryland, he was required to notify Maryland law enforcement, to register with law enforcement in his new state, and complete a Registration Form within three (3) days. 

 

According to law enforcement officers, KLIMENKO moved from Maryland to Louisiana in 2016 and failed to notify law enforcement authorities of his move to Louisiana.  Additionally, special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security determined KLIMENKO used his Facebook account to distribute child pornography on the Internet in February 2017. 

 

KLIMENKO is scheduled to be sentenced on January 3, 2018 by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey.

           

Due to his prior conviction, KLIMENKO faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years imprisonment up to 40 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."   

                       

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations 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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVONTE WEST, age 21, of Hammond, after previously pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

 

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced WEST to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment

 

According to court documents, on February 20, 2017, WEST and his cousin MAURICE LLOYD, JR. were victims of a shooting in front of WEST’S residence after WEST completed a drug transaction.  LLOYD was fatally wounded in the shooting. 

 

A search of WEST’S residence revealed approximately two ounces of heroin and multiple firearms.  Further investigation led to the recovery of additional heroin that WEST attempted to discard prior to the arrival of law enforcement to his residence after the shooting. 

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Andre’ Jones was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENNETH MARTIN, age 43, of Slidell, was charged yesterday in an eleven-count Indictment for conspiring to distribute and to possesses with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, and for possession of three firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking. 

 

According to the Indictment, from at least May 23, 2016, through August 2, 2017, MARTIN conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin.  MARTIN is also charged seven counts of distribution of heroin or fentanyl, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Additionally, MARTIN is charged with being a felon in possession of three firearms – a revolver, a semi-automatic pistol, and a shotgun – and with possessing those firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. 

 

If convicted of the drug charges, MARTIN will face a minimum of five years and a maximum of forty years imprisonment. If convicted of possessing of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, MARTIN faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment, all of which must be consecutive to his sentence for other counts.

 

Acting 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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PREBERR RAMOS-PALMA, age 24, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

According to the court documents, RAMOS-PALMA reentered the United States after being previously deported on April 25, 2014.  RAMOS-PALMA 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. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing on December 7, 2017.

 

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.

 

Acting 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 charged yesterday in a Superseding Indictment with six counts of tax evasion, five counts of filing a false tax return, and one count of failing to file a tax return. 

 

According to the Superseding Indictment, TAFFARO willfully attempted to evade tax due and owing by, among other things, 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 Superseding Indictment also alleges that TAFFARO willfully failed to file a return when required by law for tax year 2014.

 

If convicted, 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.

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

 

Acting 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.

Acting United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BENJAMIN GARCIA-VASQUEZ, age 50, a native of El Salvador, was charged yesterday in a one-count Indictment with illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

 

According to the Indictment, GARCIA-VASQUEZ was previously removed from the United States on September 11, 2012, October 26, 2012, April 19, 2013, October 25, 2013, and February 4, 2014.  GARCIA-VASQUEZ was found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on July 26, 2017, without having received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the country.

 

If convicted, GARCIA-VASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

 

Acting 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.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEDRICK KEELEN, a/k/a “Roy,” age 24, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously been found guilty of violating the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act “RICO” as well as drug conspiracy, firearms conspiracy, and murder charges. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced KEELEN to serve life plus 10 years.

  

In June of 2017, KEELEN, LIONEL ALLEN, JAWAN FORTIA, BRYAN SCOTT and DELWIN MCLAREN were convicted following a 7-day trial.  According to evidence presented at trial, KEELEN was a member of the “Young Melph Mafia” gang, also referred to as “YMM.”  The YMM gang was initially formed in or about 2005 and continued to exist through 2014.  During the course of the federal investigation into the gang, agents learned that the defendants controlled an area of Central City New Orleans along Martin Luther King Boulevard near the former Melpomene Housing Development.  The gang, which started when the members were in their early teens, participated in a wide ranging conspiracy to distribute street level quantities of crack cocaine in Central City and participated in several acts of violence against rival gangs, such as the 110ers.  The members of the YMM were associates of the members of the Allen family, who were also indicted and convicted in federal court in 2014.  Three members of the 110ers gang were convicted on January 29, 2015, in Orleans Parish Criminal Court for the Briana Allen shooting.

 

The jury found KEELEN guilty of conspiracy to commit RICO violations, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, conspiracy to possess firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes, assault with a dangerous weapon and two murders.  Specifically, KEELEN was convicted of participating in the shooting deaths of Lawrence Burt and Vivian Snyder that occurred on December 16, 2012 on St. Andrew Street.

 

KEELEN was one of eleven defendants originally charged in August of 2014 in a superseding indictment involving gun and drug conspiracies. Five YMM defendants pled guilty to the conspiracy charges and were sentenced. JACOBI “CO” BOYD was sentenced to 480 months of incarceration; ALFRED “AL” COBBINS was sentenced to 252 months of incarceration; SHAWN “GUNNER” GRACIN was sentenced to 270 months of incarceration; RUBEN “RUE” GEIGER was sentenced to 220 months of incarceration; DARIUS “D-MAN” WILLIAMS was sentenced to 156 months of incarceration; and DEONTRE “SOULJA” HILLS was sentenced to 96 months of incarceration. In August of 2015, federal RICO and murder charges were added against the remaining defendants in a second superseding indictment. JEFFREY WILSON pled guilty to only drug charges and was sentenced to 180 months of incarceration.  LIONEL ALLEN, JAWAN FORTIA, BRYAN SCOTT, and DELWIN MCLAREN, who went to trial with KEELEN, are awaiting sentencing.

 

“It is very important that we, in the law enforcement community, send a very strong message to these gangs that are wreaking havoc on our community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols. “If you continue to deal drugs, engage in violent crime, and devalue human life, you will go to prison for a very long time.  With today’s sentence, Mr. Keelen will be spending the remainder of his life in federal prison.”

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the metro area’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MAG) in investigating this matter.  As an integral component of NOLA FOR LIFE’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the MAG Unit consists of a partnership with New Orleans Police Department (NOPD); Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (DA); Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Parole Board of the Louisiana Department of Corrections; United States Attorney’s Office (USAO); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); United States Marshal’s Service (USMS); and the United States Probation & Parole Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Rivera, Nolan Paige, and Nicholas Moses were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JUAN CHAVEZ, age 50, of Texas, pled guilty today to violations of the Federal Drug Control Act, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

 

According to the court documents, CHAVEZ was arrested with co-conspirators on October 15, 2016 with nearly five kilograms of cocaine in Covington, Louisiana.  CHAVEZ was the driver of the load vehicle, a white pick-up truck containing the nearly five kilograms of cocaine.

 

CHAVEZ faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, a minimum term of supervised release of four years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for December 28, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney James S. C. Baehr is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PERNEITA PRICE, age 31, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday by Bill of Information with making a false statement to the government.

 

According to documents filed in federal court, PRICE falsified federal affordable housing applications to qualify for low-income housing subsidies.

 

PRICE faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and a $100 special assessment.

 

Acting 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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERWIN J. MIERISCH, JR., age 49, of Nicaragua, pled guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

 

According to court documents, MIERISCH, along with co-defendants ROBERTO GAMBINI and JOSE ESTEBAN MCEWAN, conspired to launder drug proceeds and to assault the plaintiff in a Texas civil case to prevent her from testifying.  The Indictment was handed down on July 9, 1999.  GAMBINI pleaded guilty in 2000 and was eventually deported to his native Italy.  The third defendant, MCEWAN, died in Nicaragua several years ago. 

 

MIERISCH was a fugitive since the Indictment was returned.  He was detained in Mexico City in December of 2016, and brought to this country to face the charge.

 

MIERISCH faces a maximum 20 years imprisonment, followed by up to 3 years supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any individual or entity, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for December 13, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TRAVIS CARTER, age 38, of Marrero, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for bank robbery.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced CARTER to 30 months incarceration, followed by two years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $4,444.95, and a $100 special assessment.

According to the court documents, on July 22, 2016, CARTER, wearing a disguise of a baseball hat, sunglasses, and with a towel covering his face, robbed the Whitney Bank located in Marrero.  CARTER escaped with over $4,000 dollars in U.S. currency.  Citizens identified CARTER after local news outlets reported the robbery and featured still images of him captured from bank surveillance.  Additionally, the vehicle driven by CARTER during the robbery, was identified by an automatic license plate recognition camera after it was captured fleeing the bank. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CRAIG JAMES, age 39, of Houston, was sentenced yesterday after having previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base.  

 

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JAMES to 156 months of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. 

 

According to court documents, JAMES, along with codefendants JOPPA JACKSON, LAZANDY DANIELS, and LEON JACKSON, JR., conspired to distribute cocaine in the New Orleans area.  In 2015, JAMES traveled to New Orleans multiple times per month in order to deliver kilogram quantities of cocaine to his local customers, including JOPPA JACKSON, DANIELS, and LEON JACKSON.  JOPPA JACKSON, DANIELS, and LEON JACKSON then sold the cocaine to users and other drug dealers in the New Orleans area.

 

JOPPA JACKSON pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride.  Sentencing for JOPPA JACKSON is scheduled for October 5, 2017.

 

On June 14, 2017, a jury convicted LAZANDY DANIELS of conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and 27 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) (2counts), possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) (2 counts),  and knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine base (crack).  Sentencing for DANIELS is scheduled for October 19, 2017.

 

LEON JACKSON pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine hydrochloride and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack).  LEON JACKSON was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and Theodore Carter are in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LISA CRINEL age 52; of New Orleans, and PCAH, INC. a/k/a PRIORITY CARE AT HOME, INC. d/b/a ABIDE HOME CARE SERVICES INC. (“ABIDE”), were sentenced today for their roles in approximately $30,052,295 in Medicare fraud.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced CRINEL to 80 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and restitution to Medicare in the amount of $16,088,222.  The corporation CRINEL owned, PCAH, INC. a/k/a PRIORITY CARE AT HOME, INC. d/b/a ABIDE HOME CARE SERVICES INC., was sentenced today to five years of probation and restitution to Medicare in the amount of $16,088,222.   

On March 12, 2015, CRINEL and ABIDE were indicted along with 19 other defendants in a 26-count indictment.

On October 2, 2015, CRINEL pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and one count of conspiracy to pay and receive illegal kickbacks. That same day, ABIDE pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

According to court documents, CRINEL was the owner and operator of ABIDE, a business that provided home health care services to homebound individuals who were primarily Medicare beneficiaries. As the owner and Chief Operating Officer of ABIDE, CRINEL took a “100 percent hands on approach” that extended to “almost every aspect of the operation” of the business. Home health experts trained CRINEL and her staff on who qualified for home health and how home health services should be documented. Evidence seized at the search of ABIDE’s office established that CRINEL maintained ABIDE’s Medicare Provider Number and routinely certified on behalf of ABIDE that she would not knowingly present or cause to be presented false or fraudulent claims for payment by Medicare. Nevertheless, CRINEL instructed her staff not to discharge patients, even those who did not require home health services. ABIDE, under CRINEL’s direction, also routinely falsified diagnoses codes and medical records to cause inflated reimbursements from Medicare. CRINEL and ABIDE created an atmosphere where nurses and other healthcare professionals would compromise their medical and ethical judgment in order to defraud Medicare. Court documents also show that CRINEL and ABIDE entered into sham employment contracts and medical director contracts with doctors and others to cover up the illegal kickback relationship between CRINEL, ABIDE, and those doctors and other individuals. Four physicians have since been convicted for their roles in the conspiracies and are awaiting sentence.

 Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Hayden M. Brockett, Sharan Lieberman, and Maria Carboni were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DWAYNE CLAUSE, age 54, of Metairie, pled guilty yesterday to participating in a methamphetamine-distribution conspiracy throughout the New Orleans area.  Specifically, CLAUSE pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. 

 

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.  CLAUSE would assist LYONS in receiving these packages and distributing the quantities of methamphetamine in the New Orleans area. 

 

For his role in the conspiracy, CLAUSE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000,000 and at least four years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for CLAUSE on December 20, 2017.

 

LYONS pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 1, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Division Office, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a federal jury convicted ROBERT RICKS, age 36, of New Orleans, 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.  Following a two-day trial, the jury found RICKS guilty of all five counts with which he was charged.

 

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’ 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.  NOPD 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. 

 

On the drug charges, RICKS faces a minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, a maximum $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.  RICKS also faces a mandatory consecutive five-year sentence for possessing a gun in furtherance of his drug-trafficking activities.  Sentencing before Judge Carl Barbier is scheduled for January 11, 2018.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of 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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICKEY ROBERSON, age 49, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to one count of theft of federal grant funds. 

 

According to court documents, from at least 2010 to the present, ROBERSON and his wife operated Alternatives Living, Inc., a non-profit that received federal funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Alternatives Living provided affordable housing to the elderly, families who were homeless, and individuals suffering from mental disabilities. As a condition to receiving federal funds, Alternatives Living agreed to comply with applicable rules and regulations governing the manner and use of the CDBG funds. Applicable program rules, including OMB Circular No. A-122, prohibited the use of CDBG funds for entertainment purposes (i.e., social activities and tickets to shows and sporting events), fundraising, personal tuition costs, and costs of goods or services for personal use.  Rules allowed reimbursement for travel costs and conferences only if those costs were related to the mission of the organization and consistent with those costs normally allowed.

 

ROBERSON pled guilty to using CDBG federal grant funds to pay for his daughter’s cellphone bill in the amount of $4,663. As part of his plea agreement, ROBERSON agreed that he also used federal grant funds to pay for his son’s cellphone bill, personal travel, satellite radio, concert tickets, medical bills for his children, cruise expenses, and repairs to a personal Cadillac Escalade and Audi TT.  ROBERSON agreed that the total amount of restitution that he owes exceeds $84,000.

 

ROBERSON faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a special assessment of $100.00.  ROBERSON will owe restitution of more than $84,000 to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for December 20, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, the Office of State Inspector General, and Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman and Brian M. Klebba, both of the Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRIAN LISTER, age 31, of Metairie, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with receipt of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.

 

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 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. LISTER obtained most, if not all, of the images and videos via a peer-to-peer file sharing program. The forensic examination located approximately 1,148 images and one video of prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct on LISTER’s electronic devices.

 

LISTER faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of 20 years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for December 21, 2017.

 

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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that AARON RUDOLPH, age 25, and JOHN RUDOLPH, age 42, both of New Orleans, were charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

 

According to the Indictment, on or about August 15, 2017, AARON and JOHN RUDOLPH entered the First Bank and Trust located at 1320 South Morrison Boulevard, in Hammond. The defendants then robbed the bank of approximately $10,490.96 of United States currency, while brandishing a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, Title 18 United States Code 2113(a) and (d), and Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).

 

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

 

If convicted of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, AARON and JOHN RUDOLPH each face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. As to the bank robbery charge, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years, a fine of $250,000, five years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. For brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, each defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of life, a fine of $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

 

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

On Tuesday, a federal jury found a New Orleans woman guilty of conspiracy, identity theft and false statements charges for her role in an approximately $2.1 million Medicare kickback scheme.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the Office of Inspector General – Health and Human Services Dallas Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Jeff Sallet of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

After a two-day trial, Kim Ricard, age 51, of New Orleans, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks in connection with Medicare beneficiaries.  In addition, Ricard was convicted of three counts of accepting kickbacks, along with three counts of identity theft and one count of making false statements to federal agents.  Sentencing has been scheduled for December 7, before U.S. District Judge Jane Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who presided over the trial. 

According to evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2013, 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 lied to investigators, the evidence showed.

As a result of the scheme, Ricard’s co-conspirator caused Medicare to pay over $2.1 million based on those illegally-obtained referrals

One other defendant was charged in this matter. Milton Diaz, 65, of Harvey, Louisiana, pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. 

This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI.  Trial Attorneys Claire Yan and Kate Payerle of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. 

The Criminal Division’s 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 nearly 3,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $12.5 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 SUPRENIA WASHINGTON, age 61, ERICA EDWARDS, age 32, both of New Orleans, and JEFF KOON, age 44, of Lockport, were sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to healthcare fraud.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced WASHINGTON, EDWARDS, and KOON each to two years probation. Additionally, each defendant was ordered to pay restitution as follows: WASHINGTON, $2,324.19; EDWARDS, $2,199.28; and KOON, $2,135.

On March 12, 2015, WASHINGTON was indicted along with 20 other defendants in a 26-count Indictment charging approximately $30,052,295 in Medicare fraud.

On April 21, 2016, EDWARDS and KOON were charged along with 12 other defendants in a 31-count Superseding Indictment charging approximately $30,252,906 in Medicare fraud.

According to court documents, WASHINGTON was a Registered Nurse (RN) at ABIDE HOME CARE SERVICES, a home health company operated by owner LISA CRINEL. WASHINGTON’S guilty plea involved her care for Medicare beneficiaries, falsification of documents and failure to notify officials of the ongoing health care fraud at ABIDE.

On September 8, 2016, WASHINGTON pled guilty to one count of healthcare fraud.

According to court documents, EDWARDS and KOON worked as RNs for ABIDE. Their duties included assessing the status of patients, initiating a plan of care, evaluating patient needs, providing comprehensive nursing care, among other things. KOON and EDWARDS pleaded guilty to fraudulently recertifying patients for home health by recording false changes in medications and exacerbations in medication conditions that did not occur and falsely documented that patients were homebound.

On July 20, 2016, EDWARDS and KOON each pled guilty to a one count of healthcare fraud.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Hayden M. Brockett, Sharan Lieberman and Maria Carboni were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRENDEL DEEMER, age 49, a New Orleans Certified Public Account (CPA), pled guilty yesterday to one count of willfully filing a false tax return for herself.

 

DEEMER was charged in June 2017 with filing a false 2010 individual income tax return that excluded income and inflated expenses for businesses under her control. According to court documents, 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. 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.

 

DEEMER faces a maximum penalty of three years of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. She also faces potential fines and other monetary penalties. As part of her plea agreement, DEEMER agreed to pay $88,651.22 in restitution to the IRS. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for December 12, 2017.

 

Acting U. S. Attorney Evans commended the work of IRS-Criminal Investigations for investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett is in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the unsealing of the Superseding Indictment of LOUIS AGE, JR., age 68, LOUIS AGE, III, aka “BIG LOU,” age 47, STANTON GUILLORY, aka “NAN NAN,” age 23, KENDRICK JOHNSON, age 40, and RONALD WILSON, aka “TANK,” age 43.

 

All five men were indicted in an 11-count Superseding Indictment that charged them with various offenses related to the murder of Milton Womack, AGE JR.’S former employee in a healthcare company that was engaged in healthcare fraud. LOUIS AGE, JR., and others were indicted and convicted of healthcare fraud in the Middle District of Louisiana in 2013. Womack was murdered on July 27, 2012, days after it was announced that he would be pleading guilty to healthcare fraud. An outline of the charges and potential penalties are listed below.

 

 

COUNT

CHARGE

DEFENDANT(S)

POTENTIAL SENTENCE

1

Conspiracy to participate in the murder-for-hire of Milton Womack

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

GUILLORY

JOHNSON

WILSON

 

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

2

Murder-for-hire of Milton Womack

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

GUILLORY

JOHNSON

WILSON

 

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessmen

3

Conspiracy to murder Milton Womack to prevent him from testifying or providing information about a federal crime

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

GUILLORY

JOHNSON

WILSON

 

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

4

Murder of Milton Womack to prevent him from testifying about a federal crime

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

GUILLORY

JOHNSON

WILSON

 

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

5

Murder of Milton Womack to prevent him from providing information about a federal crime

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

 

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

6

Conspiracy to murder Milton Womack in retaliation for disclosing information about a federal crime

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

GUILLORY

JOHNSON

WILSON

 

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

7

Murder of Milton Womack in retaliation for disclosing information about a federal crime

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

GUILLORY

JOHNSON

WILSON

 

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

8

Conspiracy to intimidate, threaten, and corruptly persuade witnesses

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

JOHNSON

 

20 Years Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 3 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

9

Conspiracy to retaliate against witnesses

AGE, JR.

AGE, III

JOHNSON

 

10 Years Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 3 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

10

Conspiracy to participate in the murder-for-hire of Milton Womack

JOHNSON

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

11

Conspiracy to participate in the murder-for-hire of Milton Womack

AGE, III

Death or Life Imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 5 years supervised release; $100 mandatory special assessment

 

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

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which was assisted by the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry McSherry, James Baehr, and Myles Ranier are in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, Jr. announced that GIORGIO COSENZA, age 30, of Gretna, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with distribution of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.

 

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced COSENZA to 240 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Additionally, COSENZA was ordered to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. A restitution hearing is scheduled for November 8, 2017.

 

According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at COSENZA’s residence on April 14, 2016. Agents obtained the search warrant after observing a posting he authored on a New Orleans-based online classified advertisement website and engaging him in email correspondence. During the email correspondence, COSENZA told a Special Agent of the FBI, acting in an undercover capacity, that he collected images and videos of children being sexually exploited.

 

During the execution of the search warrant, Special Agents with the FBI seized numerous electronic items including one laptop computer and one smartphone that contained images and videos of child pornography. A forensic examination of the device revealed that COSENZA used the devices to search for, download, and save images and videos of children as young as approximately three-year-old engaging being sexually victimized. The forensic examination located approximately 740 images and 30 videos of prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The contents of his devices also revealed that COSENZA had taken, saved, and subsequently distributed, sexually images of an approximately fourteen-year-old female with whom he stated he had engaged in sexual contact years earlier. Further, COSENZA engaged in text-based correspondence in 2014 and 2015 in which he distributed numerous sexually explicit images of children and, further, expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with minors between the ages of six and fourteen years old.

 

Based on the information contained within COSENZA’S smartphone, agents obtained a search warrant for the contents of his email account. The results of the search warrant revealed the COSENZA had received and distributed additional images depicting the sexual victimization of children.

 

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.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PREBERR RAMOS-PALMA, age 24, was charged yesterday in a one-count Indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) & (b)(1).

 

According to the Indictment, RAMOS-PALMA reentered the United States after he was previously deported on April 25, 2014. If convicted, RAMOS-PALMA 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.

 

Acting 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.

 

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.

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

 

On July 7, 2017, DR. FLOYD was arrested on charges of distribution of controlled substances. According to court records, 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.

 

DR. FLOYD made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Michael B. North on July 10, 2017. A detention hearing was held on July 12, 2017, and he has been detained since that date.

 

DR. FLOYD will face a mandatory term of 10 years in prison on the charges if the Court accepts the plea agreement. DR. FLOYD will also be subject to a fine of $1,250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least three years, following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing on December 28, 2017.

 

Acting 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 is in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EDUARDO TORRES-GUERRERO, age 24, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced TORRES-GUERRERO to 16 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Upon completion of his sentence, TORRES-GUERRERO will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to the court documents, on February 8, 2017, TORRES-GUERRERO was stopped by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department and discovered to be in possession of a SUW .32 caliber firearm, serial number 145765. TORRES-GUERRERO illegally entered the United States prior to February 8, 2017, and had no pending status adjustments with the Citizenship and Immigration Services.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CARLOS ALBERTO PINEDA-CANTOR age 40, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced PINEDA-CANTOR to 15 months imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Following completion of his sentence, PINEDA-CANTOR will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to court documents, on or about December 31, 2016, PINEDA-CANTOR was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about December 26, 2007.

 

Acting 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 was in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that VENACIO ORTIZ-LEON age 29, a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

According to the Bill of Information, on or about June 3, 2017, ORTIZ-LEON was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about January 27, 2011.

 

ORTIZ-LEON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of $250,000, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100.00 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for November 16, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SUNYUP KIM, age 41, of Granada Hills, CA, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced KIM to 1 year and 1 day in prison along with $93,927 in restitution.

On June 11, 2015, KIM was indicted along with three other defendants in an 8-count indictment charging approximately $38 million in Medicare fraud.

According to court documents, the $38 million fraud scheme centering on the distribution of "talking glucose meters" that were not medically necessary and were often not even requested. KIM, along with the other 3 defendants, operated Care Concepts, LLC, which was based in Metairie, and Choice Home Medical Equipment and Supplies (Choice), which was based in Chatsworth, California. KIM and the other 3 defendants, paid kickbacks to workers at call centers in California and South Carolina, from which operators would cold-call Medicare recipients to convince them to accept talking glucose meters and related supplies. From 2007 through 2015, KIM and the other 3 defendants caused thousands of claims to be submitted to Medicare through Care Concepts and Choice, virtually all of which were fraudulent.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan and Jordan Ginsberg were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ZELLISHA DEJEAN, age 39, VERINESE SUTTON, age 64, and LARRY TAYLOR, age 69, all of New Orleans, were sentenced today for their roles in approximately $30,252,905 in Medicare fraud.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced DEJEAN to two years probation and $1,690.12 in restitution. SUTTON and TAYLOR were each sentenced to two years probation and a $2,000 fine.

On June 29, 2016, DEJEAN pled guilty to one count of health care fraud.

According to court documents, DEJEAN worked as an RN for PRIORITY CARE AT HOME, INC. d/b/a ABIDE HOME CARE SERVICES (ABIDE), a home health company operated by owner LISA CRINEL. Her duties included assessing the status of her patients, initiating a plan of care, evaluating patient needs, providing comprehensive nursing care, among other things.

On June 8, 2016, SUTTON pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive illegal kickbacks.

According to court documents, SUTTON operated two unlicensed group homes that served as residences to several Medicare beneficiaries with psychiatric diagnoses.

On June 3, 2016, TAYLOR pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive illegal kickbacks.

According to court documents, TAYLOR was a driver and patient recruiter in the New Orleans area who transported patients on behalf of another co-defendant MICHAEL JONES, who was paid by ABIDE for referring patients. MICHAEL JONES was found guilty following a four- week trial and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, 2017.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Hayden M. Brockett, Sharan Lieberman and Maria Carboni were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARYL ALEX, age 51, of LaPlace, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

 

According to court documents, ALEX and his wife, SHAWANDA NEVERS, conspired together to unjustly enrich themselves by using and attempting to use bank accounts and credit cards issued in the name of NEVERS’s deceased father and to steal funds and obtain property to which they were not entitled. Although NEVERS’s father had died on May 5, 2017, on or about May 23, 2016, ALEX placed a telephone call to a credit card company, claiming to be NEVERS’s father. ALEX falsely stated to the credit card company that he had lost his credit card and asked that a replacement card be mailed to his new address in LaPlace. ALEX also made purchases with bad checks drawn on the bank account of NEVERS’s father, using Social Security Administration funds that were deposited after the father’s death.

 

ALEX faces a statutory maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. ALEX also faces monetary penalties and restitution. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for December 7, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Duane A. Evans commended Special Agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service, New Orleans Field Office for investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden Brockett and Loan “Mimi” Nguyen, and Trial Attorney Grace Albinson of the Department of Justice, Tax Division, are in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HUGO TURCIO-CRUZ, age 35, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced TURCIO-CRUZ to time served, a $100 special assessment, and no fine or supervised release. TURCIO-CRUZ was turned over to ICE to be deported.

According to court documents, TURCIO-CRUZ reentered the United States on or about May 4, 2017, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about October 27, 2006.

Acting 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 was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MIGUEL TERRAZAS-ORDONEZ, age 40, 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 Mary Vial Lemmon sentenced TERRAZAS-ORDONEZ to 5 months of incarceration, followed by a supervised release term of one year. Following the completion of his sentence, TERRAZAS-ORDONEZ will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

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.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL TATE, age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to misprision of a felony.

 

According to court documents, MICHAEL TATE knew that his brothers, TERRELL and GEREME TATE, had committed the crimes of being felons in possession of a firearm, and MICHAEL TATE did not disclose that fact to law enforcement.

 

TERRELL AND GEREME TATE, who previously pled guilty to being felons in possession of a firearm, were sentenced to 60 months and 24 months respectively.

 

Today, U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced MICHAEL TATE to 20 months incarceration to be followed by 1 year of supervised release.

 

Acting 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 and Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley, of the Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Gang Section, are in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that JAYVONNE JOHNSON, age 48, was charged today in a one-count Indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

JOHNSON is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, JOHNSON faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to a maximum of forty years, a fine of $5,000,000 and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Acting 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.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Drug and Enforcement Administration, the Amtrak Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Sharon D. Smith is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announces the return of an Indictment charging five Brazilian citizens with crimes related to a bank card skimming ring that was uncovered earlier this month.

 

The Indictment names Joao Freire Da Silva Neto, age 33, Andre Lion Goncalves Pereira, age 28, Herik Lucian Enedino Dos Santos, age 31, Fernando Finatto Minguzzi, age 21, and Rubens Eleuterio de Almeida Junior, age 28. All of the defendants are Brazilian nationals.

 

According to the Indictment, Joao Freire Da Silva Neto, Andre Lion Goncalves Pereira, Herik Lucian Enedino Dos Santos, and Fernando Finatto Minguzzi were arrested by members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force on August 3, 2017, at a hotel in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. They were found in possession of re-encoded credit cards, embossers, encoders, ATM skimmers, false identification, and other contraband. In the course of this investigation, U.S. Secret Service agents learned that de Almeida was mailing skimmers, pinhole cameras, and other tools for credit card fraud from Oklahoma City to the four New Orleans-based members of this conspiracy. de Almeida was arrested in Midwest City, Oklahoma, in possession of counterfeit credit cards, blank credit cards, an ATM skimmer, pinhole cameras, memory cards, an embosser, and other items used to create counterfeit credit cards.

 

The Indictment charges all five defendants with conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices and to possess fifteen or more counterfeit access devices, which carries a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment. It also charges all five defendants with conspiracy to possess and traffic in device-making equipment, which carries a penalty of up to seven and a half years in prison.

 

The Indictment further charges Joao Freire Da Silva Neto, Andre Lion Goncalves Pereira, Herik Lucian Enedino Dos Santos, and Fernando Finatto Minguzzi with one count of possession of fifteen or more counterfeit access devices, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Those four defendants are also charged with possession and trafficking in device-making equipment, which carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison.

 

In addition to the penalties listed above, each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release up to three years.

 

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

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the agencies that contributed to this Indictment, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force. The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the New Orleans Police Department. Acting U.S. Attorney Evans thanked the U.S. Secret Service Oklahoma City Field Office and the Midwest City, OK Police Department for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, announced that ROY RIVAS-PALMAS, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal re-entry of removed alien.

According to the court documents, on June 15, 2017, RIVAS-PALMAS was found in the United States after having been deported previously on October 31, 2013. RIVAS-PALMAS has a prior felony conviction for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and has been deported on multiple occasions.

ROY RIVAS-PALMAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a fine of $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for November 9, 2017.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in investigating this matter.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that NASER YOUSEF GHEITH, a/k/a “Nick,” age 38, from San Francisco, California, was sentenced yesterday for his participation in an international methamphetamine distribution scheme.

 

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced GHEITH to 20 years imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, GHEITH previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. GHEITH was a member of a methamphetamine distribution ring that extended from California to Louisiana and Germany. The seizures in this case included approximately two pounds of methamphetamine recovered in Texas from a vehicle that was traveling from San Francisco to New Orleans, as well as shipments of methamphetamine that were intercepted in Cologne, Germany, by the German Customs Investigation Bureau (the Zollkriminalamt or ZKA).

 

GHEITH is the second of three defendants to have pled guilty in this case. Previously, CHRISTOPHER BYRON FRITCHIE was sentenced to 90 months in prison for his role in the scheme. A third defendant, RYAN ERNST NYBERG, is still at large. NYBERG acquired German citizenship and agents believe he is still residing in Germany.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA New Orleans Division Office investigated this case with assistance from the DEA Frankfurt, Germany Country Office and the DEA San Francisco Division Office. Assistance was also provided by the German Customs Investigation Bureau (the Zollkriminalamt or ZKA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Payne and Maria Carboni are in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTWON SEYMORE, age 19, pled guilty yesterday to theft of firearms from a premises owned by a federally-licensed firearms dealer and aiding-and-abetting.

 

According to the court documents, on or about April 8, 2016, SEYMORE, and a juvenile broke into The Tickfaw Auction Company, located at Hwy. 51, Tickfaw, a business owned and operated by a federally-licensed firearms dealer, and stole 25 handguns. All those guns were manufactured outside of Louisiana and necessarily had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.

 

SEYMORE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, and/or a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing on November 16, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon is in charge of the prosecution.