Eastern District of Louisiana

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CORTEZ THOMPSON, age 34, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

 

According to court documents, from in or about December 2012 and continuing though in or about June 2013, THOMPSON and his co-conspirators were involved in a scheme to unlawfully obtain money through the distribution of counterfeit United States Postal Service money orders. To this end, THOMPSON and his co-conspirators would, among other things, procured, produced, and caused to be produced counterfeit United States Postal Service money orders, distributed them via the mail, and negotiated them in order to share the illegal proceeds of the crime.

 

THOMPSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for November 29, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Loan AMimi@ Nguyen is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEITH FOSTER, age 37, and THOMAS MAROLD, age 53, both of New Orleans, were sentenced yesterday. Both defendants had previously pled guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute heroin, conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced FOSTER to 295 months of incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. MAROLD was sentenced to 30 months of incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in October 2015, KERMERIC JOHNSON received a jail phone call from heroin dealer and co-conspirator, FOSTER, wherein FOSTER informed JOHNSON that a confidential informant had caused him and MAROLD to be arrested. FOSTER then told JOHNSON where to locate a firearm and instructed JOHNSON to “take care” of the informant. JOHNSON agreed to do so and, in subsequent jail calls, stated that he was attempting to locate the informant.

On October 29, 2015, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies surveilled JOHNSON’s residence, and observed JOHNSON exit the residence. Deputies observed JOHNSON carrying two items, one wrapped in a blue shirt, and the other in a red blanket. JOHNSON placed both items inside the trunk of a vehicle before he and the other male drove away. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. In the trunk of the vehicle, deputies found a Smith and Wesson, 9mm caliber semi-automatic handgun wrapped in the shirt and a Marlin Model Glenfield 65, .22 caliber rifle, wrapped in the blanket.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the ATF New Orleans Division Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that STERLING PIPKINS, a/k/a “Shoe,” age 32, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to federal narcotics charges. PIPKINS had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

 

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced PIPKINS to 72 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, PIPKINS was a central figure in a conspiracy to sell heroin in New Orleans’ Seventh Ward, specifically the intersection of Frenchmen and North Villere Streets. DARRELL LEWIS was the leader of the group. KEVIN WALKER, CARL LEWIS, and PIPKINS served as street-level dealers, selling heroin to both other heroin dealers and users. Members of the conspiracy also kept and maintained firearms in furtherance of drug dealing.

 

PIPKINS committed the instant offense while he was supervised release for a prior federal conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. On May 4, 2017, U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk revoked PIPKINS’ supervised release and sentenced him to 24 months of imprisonment to be served consecutively with the sentence issued by Judge Barbier.

 

PIPKINS was the final member of this conspiracy to be sentenced. The conspiracy included eleven others who have already been sentenced, including DARRYL LEWIS, KEVIN WALKER, DARRYL LEWIS, CARL LEWIS, MICHAEL MCQUITTY, TYRONE HUDSON, IRVIN WATSON, CONQUISTADORE MARTIN, NICHIREN RADCLIFFE, DEMOINDE ROWLEY, and NERIMANE BOUCHAMA.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistance was provided by the DEA New Orleans Field Division, the New Orleans Police Department, the Major Crimes Task Force, the FBI Kansas City Division (Jefferson City Resident Office), and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Payne, Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Andre Lagarde were in charge of prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that NOLAN CASON, age 26, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

 

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced CASON to 41 months of confinement, 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.

 

According to court documents, Officers of the New Orleans Police Department arrested CASON on August 8, 2014 for possessing a semi-automatic firearm with an attached extended magazine containing 20 live rounds. On May 3, 2015, Louisiana State Police Troopers arrested CASBON for possessing two semi-automatic handguns, a 50-round magazine containing 22 live bullets, and a 30-round magazine containing 24 live bullets. CASON was prohibited from possessing these firearms because he had been convicted previously of possession of cocaine in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police for their work in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Matthew R. Payne were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RUFUS JOHNSON, age 68, of New Orleans, was sentenced today. JOHNSON and his secretary, JOSEPHINE SPELLMAN, 57, also of New Orleans, pled guilty in the midst of trial for their roles in operating a long-running and extensive bribery and honest services fraud scheme related to JOHNSON’s bail bonds in New Orleans.

 

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced JOHNSON to 74 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, Judge Lemelle ordered preliminary forfeiture in the amount of $1.2M, forfeiture of the 536-538 Broad Street, and a $600 special assessment. On Wednesday, August 23, 2017, U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced SPELLMAN to 5 years of probation.

 

According to the court documents, JOHNSON operated as an unlicensed bail bondsman between 2003 and 2013, accepting money from customers in exchange for getting Orleans Parish Prison inmates released from jail, in violation of state law. To circumvent the prohibition against unlicensed individuals operating as bail bondsmen, JOHNSON, SPELLMAN, and others operated under the licenses and contracts of paid employee bail bondsmen. Certain employees in the Orleans Parish criminal justice system were corruptly paid by JOHNSON, SPELLMAN and other to release inmates on their own recognizance, to provide and alter information in protected computer systems, and to make false certifications on official bond documents. Specifically, JOHNSON, SPELLMAN, and others made cash payments to three deputy clerks in the Clerk’s Office of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in order to obtain documents and information, including sensitive and official-use-only information, from protected computer systems servicing the criminal justice system. This information was valuable to bail bondsmen who were seeking to post bonds for inmates and to address bond forfeitures. At JOHNSON’s request, these clerks also delivered to him official bail bonds that had been typed, signed, and certified by a bond clerk without having been signed by a bondsman. This permitted JOHNSON himself to sign the names of his licensed employee bondsmen to the bail bonds without the knowledge or involvement of the bondsmen.

 

Additionally, JOHNSON paid bribes and kickbacks to a deputy clerk at Criminal District Court who worked as a deputy at CINTAP. CINTAP is an office located in the Orleans Parish Prison’s Central Lockup where one or two deputy sheriffs on shift received and processed telephone orders from judges and other appropriate elected officials to release pre-trial prison inmates on their own recognizance, or to reduce or otherwise alter inmates’ bail amounts or bail status. Between 2008 and March 2010, JOHNSON often provided names of pre-trial inmates to the deputy clerk, who would then cause the inmates to be released by creating false paperwork and entering false information into the protected Sheriff’s computerized system to make it appear as though a judge had called in to order a recognizance bond. In most cases, these were inmates whose associates or family members had gone to JOHNSON as customers and paid him to bond the inmate out of jail. In exchange, JOHNSON paid the deputy clerk cash for securing the releases. JOHNSON paid the clerk between $6,500 and $15,000, and paid bribes and kickbacks to a variety of public officials totalling approximately $95,000 and $150,000.

 

After the scheme was unearthed in 2010, JOHNSON perceived that law enforcement agents were investigating his illegal bonding practices. Together with SPELLMAN and others, JOHNSON sought to obstruct the investigation by instructing other persons involved with his bail business to lie to law enforcement should they ask what JOHNSON did there. Employees were told they should say that JOHNSON was merely the janitor, or that his primary role at the office was cleaning up and sweeping, and that he did not sell, solicit, or negotiate bonds, and that he was not the primary operator of the bail bonds business. Several of these individuals subsequently repeated this lie to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. JOHNSON himself lied to FBI agents during an interview on March 20, 2012, and SPELLMAN lied to FBI agents during an interview on December 13, 2012.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Metropolitan Crime Commission. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Harry W. McSherry, Brittany Reed, and Michael B. Redmann were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ELEISHA WILLIAMS, age 45, of Harvey, and CAREN BATTTAGLIA, age 50, of New Orleans, were sentenced yesterday for their roles in a $30,052,295 Medicare fraud scheme.

 

According to court documents, WILLIAMS was a marketer for Abide Home Health Care Services, Inc. (Abide), a Louisiana home health agency owned and operated by LISA CRINEL. WILLIAMS contacted an Abide employee to confirm that the person she fraudulently referred for home health was a Medicare beneficiary. Once it was determined, the referred individual was a Medicare beneficiary, an Abide co-conspirator scheduled a physician visit, usually with an Abide House Doctor – also a co-conspirator – well knowing that the individual referral to Abide was by a Marketer, instead of the beneficiary’s own health care professional. WILLIAMS pled guilty on March 30, 2016, to conspiracy to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced WILLIAMS to two years probation and a $2,000 fine.

 

BATTAGLIA was a Licensed Practical Nurse at Abide Home Care Services. BATTAGLIA’s guilty plea on September 8, 2016, involved her care for Medicare beneficiaries and failure to notify officials of the ongoing health care fraud at Abide. BATTAGLIA pled guilty to misprision of a felony. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced BATTAGLIA to a $2,000 fine.

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 JEREME VAUGHN, age 37, of Shreveport, and MELVIN STEEN, age 35, of Slidell, were sentenced yesterday after having previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

 

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced VAUGHN to 33 months of incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. STEEN was sentenced to 57 months of incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Louisiana State Police (LSP), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TRUNG PHAM, age 38, of Los Angeles, California, and TOMMY WELLS, age 40, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy throughout the New Orleans area. Specifically, PHAM pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and WELLS 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, PHAM was a California-based drug trafficker who was sending parcels of methamphetamine via common carriers to codefendant STEVEN LYONS in New Orleans. LYONS would then sell quantities of methamphetamine to WELLS and others, who would redistribute the methamphetamine in the New Orleans area. LYONS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 1, 2017.

 

For his role in the conspiracy, PHAM faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000 and at least five years of supervised release. WELLS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for PHAM and WELLS on November 15, 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 THOMAS GORDON, a/k/a “Ice,” age 33, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

 

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced GORDON to 72 months imprisonment, along with five years of supervised release.

 

GORDON was one of eight defendants charged in a 21-count superseding indictment on September 18, 2015. According to court documents, this indictment sprung from an FBI investigation into a heroin-trafficking organization operating primarily around Loyola Avenue and Harmony Street in Central City, New Orleans. The sources of heroin for this organization traveled via Megabus from Houston to New Orleans, carrying half-kilogram quantities of heroin for distribution in the New Orleans area.

 

The group’s two Houston-based heroin suppliers, defendants MARTHA QUINONES and KEVIN GONZALEZ, each pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and were sentenced to 120 months and 57 months imprisonment, respectively. Defendant DONALD EALY pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment. Defendant REGINALD WASHINGTON pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment. Defendants EARL BROWN and WILBERT CLARK pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and were each sentenced to 30 months imprisonment. KENNETH HARRIS has pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and will be sentenced on November 30, 2017.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF), which includes FBI, the Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long was responsible for the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a former North Shore resident who had left the country last year before being charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and arrested in early 2017, was sentenced today.

 

BILAL AHMED, a/k/a “Bill,” age 42, formerly of Covington, devised a scheme to defraud others of money and property. As part of this scheme, AHMED posed as a wealthy individual who stood to receive millions of dollars from his native country of Pakistan. During the conspiracy, AHMED presented false documents, including a fraudulent $100,000,000 loan document to others. As a result of AHMED’s false and fraudulent representations, he caused at least two wirings to be made in interstate commerce.

 

According to court records, AHMED agreed as part of his guilty plea that he left the United States for Canada in June 2016, approximately two months after the wirings took place. AHMED was arrested in January 2017, in the Western District of Michigan, and then indicted in February 2017, in the Eastern District of Louisiana. AHMED was then detained pending his guilty plea and sentencing.

 

United States District Judge Jay Zainey sentenced AHMED to a total of thirteen months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Following completion of his sentence, AHMED will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for immigration proceedings. Judge Zainey also ordered that AHMED pay $81,569 in restitution to the victim in the case.

 

U.S. Attorney Evans commended Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, who investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett was in charge of the prosecution.

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

 

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

 

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

 

PIZARRO 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. Sentencing before Judge Martin L.C. Feldman is scheduled for December 6, 2017.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARTHA OJEDA, age 41, of Pflugerville, Texas, was charged in a one-count Bill of Information with interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

 

According to the Bill of Information, in early April 2017, OJEDA travelled from Franklinton, Louisiana, to the State of Texas by commercial bus and automobile for the purposes of engaging in sexual conduct with a fifteen-year-old minor.

 

If convicted, OJEDA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) years followed by between five (5) years and a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. OJEDA may also be required to register as a sex offender.

 

Acting United States 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 the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOACOBO JOSE SANTOS, age 43, a naturalized citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride.

 

According to the court documents, SANTOS was arrested with co-conspirators on October 15, 2016, in possession of nearly five kilograms of cocaine in Covington, Louisiana meant for distribution in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

 

SANTOS faces a maximum of forty years imprisonment and a minimum of five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, a term of supervised release of at least four years up to life, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for November 30, 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 CHRISTOPHER ORGERON, age 34, of Harvey, was sentenced today for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

 

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced ORGERON to seventy-five (75) months incarceration and five (5) years of supervised release. ORGERON was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,000.00 and he must register as a sex offender.

 

According to court records, beginning at an unknown time and continuing to on or about June 25, 2015, ORGERON knowingly received child pornography. On June 25, 2015, special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations executed a federal search warrant at ORGERON’s Harvey home. Computer forensic agents located over 26,000 images and 612 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors on ORGERON’s computers.

 

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 ROBERT CASE, age 47, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

 

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced CASE to 100 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, CASE was arrested on January 9, 2015 when a United States Postal Inspector intercepted two packages sent through the Postal Service found to contain methamphetamine. The Inspector posed as a letter carrier to deliver the packages to the suspect’s uptown apartments and then executed a search warrant on the residence, finding additional drugs and drug paraphernalia.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys James S. C. Baehr, Matthew Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ryan McLaren were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that U.S. Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced EVANS LEWIS, age 26, to three life sentences for gang-related offenses that he committed in association with the 39ers gang.

 

COUNT

CHARGE

DEFENDANT

SENTENCE

1

Conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO)

 

LEWIS

 

Life imprisonment

29

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Littlejohn Haynes)

LEWIS

Mandatory life imprisonment

30

Causing death through the use of a firearm (Littlejohn Haynes)

LEWIS

Life imprisonment

 

LEWIS, who was a gunman and drug distributor for the organization, was convicted following a six-week long jury trial.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myles Ranier, David Haller, Brittany Reed, and Jeff Sandman were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the Indictment of three Cuban nationals, charging them all with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, and two defendants with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

 

YUSNIEL HERNANDEZ PEREZ, age 32; YADIER ALUIJAS FERNANDEZ, age 30; and HENRY DAVID MARTINEZ, age 21, Cuban nationals who resided in the State of Texas, were charged yesterday with conspiracy to commit access device fraud. PEREZ and FERNANDEZ are both charged with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

 

According to the Indictment, the three defendants traveled to Jefferson Parish in the same car on July 24, 2017. They are all alleged to have used counterfeit cards to make purchases at a local merchant. On that same day, FERNANDEZ is alleged to have hidden approximately 45 counterfeit access devices in a sock hidden on his person. For his part, defendant PEREZ is alleged to have hidden approximately twelve cards in his shoe.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilty of the defendant must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

If convicted of the charge of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, PEREZ, FERNANDEZ and MARTINEZ face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of the charges of access device fraud, PEREZ and FERNANDEZ face a statutory maximum of ten years in prison. If convicted of the charges of aggravated identity theft, PEREZ and FERNANDEZ face a consecutive mandatory term of two years in prison. Each defendant also faces substantial monetary penalties, supervised release, and restitution upon conviction.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans commended Special Agents of the United States Secret Service and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, who investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett is in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KERMERIC JOHNSON, age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to use a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced JOHNSON to 215 months of incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in October 2015, JOHNSON received a jail phone call from a local heroin dealer and co-conspirator, KEITH FOSTER, wherein FOSTER informed JOHNSON that a confidential informant had caused him and a second co-conspirator to be arrested. Foster then told JOHNSON where to locate a firearm and instructed JOHNSON to “take care” of the informant. JOHNSON agreed to do so and in subsequent jail calls, stated that he was attempting to locate the informant.

On October 29, 2015, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies surveilled JOHNSON’s residence, and observed JOHNSON and an unknown male, exit the residence. Deputies observed JOHNSON carrying two items, one wrapped in a blue shirt, and the other in a red blanket. JOHNSON placed both items inside the trunk of a vehicle before he and the other male drove away. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. In the trunk of the vehicle, deputies found a Smith and Wesson, 9mm caliber semi-automatic handgun wrapped in the shirt and a Marlin Model Glenfield 65, .22 caliber rifle, wrapped in the blanket.

FOSTER pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 24, 2017.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the ATF New Orleans Division Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROMAN WILLIAMS, age 36, of Pensacola, Florida, was charged yesterday in a two-count Bill of Information 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.

 

The maximum penalty for theft of government funds is ten years imprisonment, followed by up to 3 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.

 

The maximum penalty for aggravated identity theft is 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.

 

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 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 PAMELA THOMPSON, age 62, of Algiers, was charged yesterday in a one-count Indictment with Theft of Government Funds.

 

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

 

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

 

If convicted, THOPMSON faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SAQUENA GRIFFIN, a/k/a “QUEENIE,” age 34, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to conspiracy to pay and receive illegal Medicare kickbacks which resulted in Medicare paying $378,274 to a local home health agency.

 

According to court records, GRIFFIN was a recruiter and marketer for Comprehensive Nursing and Home Health Service, Inc. (Comprehensive) on Earhart Boulevard in New Orleans. GRIFFIN is charged with receiving illegal kickbacks to bring Medicare beneficiaries to Comprehensive.

GRIFFIN faces a possible maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing on October 19, 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. Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that yesterday, a federal jury convicted ANTONIO NEVEAUX, age 44, a Metairie resident, for his role in distributing cocaine base (“crack”) in the New Orleans area. Following a two-day trial, the jury found NEVEAUX guilty of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.

 

According to the evidence presented at trial, NEVEAUX was a known mid-level crack dealer in the Iberville Housing Development. On March 21, 2012, two hand-to-hand transactions were caught on surveillance video, and NEVEAUX was immediately arrested with over 90 grams of crack, $4,000 cash, and two loaded firearms. After he was indicted on the drug and gun charges, NEVEAUX attempted to convince one of his customers to lie to investigators about the nature of their interaction.

 

NEVEAUX faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison—five years for the crack offenses, and five additional years for possessing firearms in furtherance of those offenses. Sentencing before Judge Susie Morgan is scheduled for November 15, 2017.

 

Co-defendant ANTHONY WASHINGTON previously pled guilty to conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15, 2017. Co-defendant TERRENCE SMITH is scheduled for rearraignment for the drug conspiracy charge on August 11, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Housing Authority of New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael E. McMahon, Jeffrey Sandman, and David Howard Sinkman were responsible for the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRANDON BUTLER, a/k/a “Pooh,” a/k/a “Pooh Milly;” JAMIRON BARNES, a/k/a “Miron,” a/k/a “Myron;” and SEAN BRIGGS, a/k/a “Big Sean,” a/k/a “Big C;” all from New Orleans, were charged in 12-count second superseding Indictment by a Federal Grand Jury last week. The second superseding Indictment was unsealed recently, as the newly indicted defendant, SEAN BRIGGS, was taken into custody by federal agents. The other defendants are already in federal custody.

 

According to the second superseding Indictment, BUTLER, BARNES, and BRIGGS are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack, and heroin and to possess firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. The defendants came to the attention of the FBI’s New Orleans Gang Task Force violent crime initiative in NOPD’s Sixth Police District. Specifically, the defendants primarily operate in the 2400 block of Josephine Street which is within one block of the Mahalia Jackson Elementary School.

 

A list of the defendants, charges, and maximum penalties is attached.

 

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

 

The second superseding Indictment is a product of an ongoing investigation into the drug trafficking and violent crime in New Orleans. It represents the continued coordinated anti-crime efforts of the federal and state law enforcement authorities, including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera is in charge of the prosecution.

* * *

 

COUNT

DEFENDANT(S)

MAXIMUM PENALTY

Count 1

21 U.S.C. § 846

Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride, Cocaine Base and Heroin

Brandon Butler

Jamiron Barnes

Sean Briggs

-0 to 20 years imprisonment

-not less than 3 years supervised release

-fine of up to $1,000,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 2

18 U.S.C. § 924(o)

Conspiracy to Possess Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

Brandon Butler

Jamiron Barnes

Sean Briggs

-0 to 20 years imprisonment

-3 years supervised release

-fine of up to $250,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 3

21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base

Jamiron Barnes

Sean Briggs

-0 to 20 years imprisonment

-not less than 3 years supervised release

-fine of up to $1,000,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 4

18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)

Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

Jamiron Barnes

Sean Briggs

-5 years to life imprisonment (consecutive)

-not more than 5 years supervised release

-fine of up to $250,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 5

18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Sean Briggs

-0 to 10 years imprisonment

-3 years supervised release

-fine of up to $250,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 6

21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base

Brandon Butler

 

-0 to 20 years imprisonment

-not less than 3 years supervised release

-fine of up to $1,000,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 7

18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)

Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

Brandon Butler

 

-5 years to life imprisonment

-not more than 5 years supervised release

-fine of up to $250,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 8

18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(A)

Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone

Brandon Butler

 

 

-0 to 5 years imprisonment

-not more than 1 year supervised release

-fine of up to $250,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 9

21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin

Sean Briggs

-0 to 20 years imprisonment

-not less than 3 years supervised release

-fine of up to $1,000,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 10

18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)

Use, Carrying and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

Brandon Butler

 

-25 years to life imprisonment (consecutive)

-not more than 5 years supervised release

-fine of up to $250,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 11

21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base

Brandon Butler

 

-0 to 20 years imprisonment

-not less than 3 years supervised release

-fine of up to $1,000,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Count 12

18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)

Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

Brandon Butler

 

-25 years to life imprisonment (consecutive)

-not more than 5 years supervised release

-fine of up to $250,000

-$100 special assessment fee

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PAUL MCNEARY, age 34, of New Orleans, and OSCAR GUEVARA-MARTIN, age 35, of Lake Charles, were sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

 

Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced MCNEARY to 100 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Judge Engelhardt sentenced GUEVARA-MARTIN to 54 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.

 

According to court documents, MCNEARY and GUEVARA-MARTIN were arrested on January 9, 2015 when a United States Postal Inspector intercepted two packages sent through the Postal Service found to contain methamphetamine. The Inspector posed as a letter carrier to deliver the packages to the suspect’s uptown apartments and then executed a search warrant on the residence, finding additional drugs and drug paraphernalia. The arrests led to an operation against the sources of the methamphetamine in California who were ultimately indicted and pled guilty to the conspiracy.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys James S. C. Baehr and Matthew Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ryan McLaren were in charge of the prosecution.

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

 

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.

 

RODRIGUEZ-BORJAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for October 4, 2017.

 

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 BOBBY JOSEPH HAMMOND, age 38, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Bill of Information for destruction of government property.

 

According to the court documents, on March 4, 2017, HAMMOND drove up to the south side of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Office located at 1616 Joe Yenni Boulevard in Kenner, exited his vehicle, and threw a rock through a second floor window. Damages totaled $1,330.69.

 

HAMMOND 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 Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for November 1, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Protective Services in investigating this matter.

 

A Louisiana woman pleaded guilty to four counts of preparing fraudulent tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

 

According to documents filed with the court, Shawanda Nevers aka Shawanda Hawkins, Shawanda Bryant and Shawanda Johnson, 49, operated a series of businesses in the LaPlace area, including 3LJ’s Café Services & Sports Bar LLC and 3LJ’s Industrial Service Solutions LLC. Between 2011 and 2016, Nevers filed on behalf of her clients income tax returns that included fake business losses, deductions and tax credits and sought refunds to which her clients were not entitled. Despite a federal judge permanently enjoining her from preparing federal tax returns in 2014, Nevers continued to file fraudulent returns. As part of the plea agreement, Nevers admitted that she owes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) $6,934,764 in restitution, as well as $128,900 to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust and $964 to the Social Security Administration.

 

The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 15 before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan. Nevers faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison on each count, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

 

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Evans commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and U.S. Secret Service, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden Brockett and Loan “Mimi” Nguyen, and Trial Attorney Grace Albinson of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANGIE CAMBRE, age 43, of Laplace, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with wire fraud.

 

According to court documents, CAMBRE was hired in August 2011 to be the accountant and bookkeeper for a commercial printing company headquartered in New Orleans that specializes in printing materials, such as flyers and manuals, geared toward the automotive industry (“Company A”). Between November 2011 and June 2016, CAMBRE embezzled approximately $940,336.24 from Company A in a series of approximately 3,300 individual transactions, without Company A’s knowledge or authorization. CAMBRE did so by causing payments to be sent from one of Company A’s bank accounts to accounts under her control and to repay debts due and owing related to her personal use.

 

CAMBRE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. As part of her plea, CAMBRE agreed to repay Company A $940,336.24 in restitution. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service 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 JERMAINE WHITE, age 34, of Houma, pled guilty yesterday to an Indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841, 841(b)(1)(A) and 846.

 

According to court documents, WHITE was arrested in August 2015, after coordinating the mailing of over 1000 grams of methamphetamine to Houma through the U.S. Postal Service. Two packages bound for WHITE were intercepted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, which led to a delivery of the packages to two separate addresses utilized by WHITE for drug distribution.

 

WHITE faces a minimum term of ten years of imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $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 United States Postal Inspection Service and 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 MICHAELLE MARTINEZ, age 39, of Marrero, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to theft of government funds.

 

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced MARTINEZ to five years probation and restitution in the amount of $15,104.56.

 

According to the court documents, MARTINEZ was employed for approximately eight years as a Claims Representative/Social Insurance Specialist in the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) District Office located in Terrytown, Louisiana. MARTINEZ was responsible for the adjudication and authorization of SSA benefits on behalf of the SSA. To accomplish her scheme, MARTINEZ identified beneficiaries who were entitled to receive retroactive or back payments from the SSA. MARTINEZ would change the recipient’s deposit information and would divert the SSA money to bank accounts under her control. MARTINEZ then changed the deposit information back before the beneficiaries would notice a problem. In total, MARTINEZ stole $15,104.56 from several SSA beneficiaries.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GRADY W. CLARK, III, age 38, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to possession of child pornography.

 

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced CLARK to ten years incarceration, $2,000 restitution, and 25 years supervised release.

 

According to court documents, special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) executed a federal search warrant at CLARK’s New Orleans residence on January 20, 2017. During the search, HSI agents seized numerous electronic items, including a computer thumb drive that contained over 1,800 images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. CLARK was arrested by HSI agents during the execution of the search warrant and appeared in federal court where he was detained by a United States Magistrate Judge.

 

Court records reveal that CLARK was previously convicted on October 30, 2012, in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for pornography involving juveniles.

 

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, the Louisiana State Police, New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

Acting U.S. Duane A. Evans announced that SAUL RODRIGUEZ-AVILES, age 47, was charged today in a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien previously convicted of an aggravated felony.

 

According to the indictment, RODRIGUEZ-AVILES reentered the United States after he was previously deported on July 16, 2015.

 

If convicted, RODRIGUEZ-AVILES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty 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 the sentencing of three defendants convicted of gang-related offenses with the 39ers gang following the February 2017 six-week long racketeering and murder trial.

 

Today, U.S. Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced CURTIS NEVILLE, age 24, to four life sentences, DAMIAN BARNES, age 29, to 252 months, and SOLOMON DOYLE, age 31, to 78 months for their participation in the violent 39ers gang. Specific sentences, by count and by defendant, are as follows:

COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANT SENTENCE 1 Conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) BARNES 240 months imprisonment     DOYLE 78 months imprisonment             NEVILLE Life imprisonment 2 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances BARNES 252 months imprisonment         NEVILLE Life imprisonment 3 Conspiracy to use and carry and to possess firearms BARNES Each defendant received 240 months imprisonment NEVILLE 29 Murder in aid of racketeering NEVILLE Mandatory life imprisonment (Littlejohn Haynes) 30 Causing death through the use of a firearm (Littlejohn Haynes) NEVILLE Life imprisonment 33 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering (Albert Hardy) NEVILLE 240 months imprisonment 34 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime NEVILLE Consecutive 120 months imprisonment (Albert Hardy) 35 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering (Kelvin Baham) NEVILLE 240 months imprisonment 36 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime NEVILLE Consecutive 300 months imprisonment (Kelvin Baham) 37 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering (Carrie Henry) NEVILLE 240 months imprisonment 38 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime NEVILLE Consecutive 300 months imprisonment (Carrie Henry) 43 Possession with intent to distribute heroin NEVILLE 240 months imprisonment 44

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

NEVILLE Consecutive 300 months imprisonment

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myles Ranier, David Haller, Brittany Reed, and Jeff Sandman were in charge of the prosecution.

 

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencing of two defendants convicted of gang-related offenses in February of 2017 following the six-week long 39ers racketeering and murder trial.

 

Today, U.S. Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced TERRIOUES OWNEY, age 30, and MCCOY WALKER, age 26, as follows:

 

COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANT SENTENCE 1 Conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) OWNEY Each defendant received life imprisonment WALKER 2 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances WALKER Life imprisonment 3 Conspiracy to use and carry and to possess firearms OWNEY Each defendant received 240 months WALKER imprisonment 14 Murder in aid of racketeering OWNEY Each defendant received a mandatory life sentence (Lester Green) WALKER 15 Causing death through the use of a firearm OWNEY Life imprisonment 16 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering (Jamal Smith) OWNEY Each defendant received 240 months imprisonment WALKER 17 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime OWNEY Received a consecutive sentence of 120 months (Jamal Smith) 18 Murder in aid of racketeering OWNEY Mandatory life sentence (Donald Daniels) 19 Causing death through the use of a firearm (Donald Daniels) OWNEY Life imprisonment 22 Murder in aid of racketeering OWNEY Mandatory life sentence (Elton Fields) 23 Causing death through the use of a firearm (Elton Fields) OWNEY Life imprisonment 24 Murder in aid of racketeering OWNEY Mandatory life sentence (Jerome Hampton)     WALKER 25 Causing death through the use of a firearm OWNEY Both defendants received life imprisonment (Jerome Hampton and Renetta Lowe a/k/a Magnolia Shorty) WALKER 26 Murder in aid of racketeering OWNEY Both defendants received a mandatory life sentence

(Renetta Lowe a/k/a Magnolia Shorty)

WALKER

 

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myles Ranier, David Haller, Brittany Reed, and Jeff Sandman were in charge of the prosecution.

 

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencing of four defendants convicted of gang-related offenses in February of 2017 following the 39ers racketeering and murder trial.

 

Today, U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced JASMINE PERRY, age 26; LEROY PRICE, age 31; ASHTON PRICE, age 26; and ALONZO PETERS, age 27. All four men were convicted of offenses related to their involvement with the 39ers gang in New Orleans from approximately 2007-14, and each defendant received life sentences. The Court imposed the following sentences on each defendant:

COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANTS SENTENCE 1 Conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) JASMINE PERRY Life Imprisonment LEROY PRICE Life Imprisonment ASHTON PRICE Life Imprisonment     ALONZO PETERS 235 months imprisonment     2 Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances LEROY PRICE Each defendant received a sentence of life imprisonment Defendants were convicted of 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of cocaine base ASHTON PRICE     ALONZO PETERS               3 Conspiracy to use and carry and to possess firearms JASMINE PERRY Received 240 months imprisonment LEROY PRICE ASHTON PRICE     ---------------- ---------------- ALONZO PETERS Received 235 months imprisonment 4 Murder in aid of racketeering JASMINE PERRY Each defendant received a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment (Kendall Faibvre) ASHTON PRICE     5 Causing death through the use of a firearm JASMINE PERRY Each defendant received a sentence of life imprisonment (Kendall Faibvre) ASHTON PRICE         6 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering JASMINE PERRY Each defendant received a sentence of 240 months imprisonment (Jasmine Jones) ASHTON PRICE         7 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime JASMINE PERRY Each defendant received a consecutive sentence of 120 months imprisonment (Jasmine Jones) ASHTON PRICE         14 Murder in aid of racketeering LEROY PRICE Mandatory life imprisonment (Lester Green) 16 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering LEROY PRICE 240 months imprisonment (Jamal Smith) 18 Murder in aid of racketeering LEROY PRICE Mandatory life imprisonment (Donald Daniels)   22 Murder in aid of racketeering LEROY PRICE Mandatory life imprisonment (Elton Fields) 33 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering JASMINE PERRY 240 months imprisonment (Albert Hardy)     34 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime JASMINE PERRY Received a consecutive sentence of 300 months imprisonment (Albert Hardy) 35 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering JASMINE PERRY 240 months imprisonment (Kelvin Baham) 36 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime JASMINE PERRY Received a consecutive sentence of 300 months imprisonment (Kelvin Baham) 37 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering JASMINE PERRY 240 months imprisonment (Carrie Henry) 38 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime JASMINE PERRY Received a consecutive sentence of 300 months imprisonment (Carrie Henry) 39 Murder in aid of racketeering JASMINE PERRY Mandatory life imprisonment (Gregory Keys) 40 Causing death through the use of a firearm JASMINE PERRY Life imprisonment (Gregory Keys) 41 Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering JASMINE PERRY 240 months imprisonment (Kendrick Smothers) 42 Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime JASMINE PERRY Received a consecutive sentence of 300 months imprisonment (Kendrick Smothers)   45 Murder in aid of racketeering LEROY PRICE Mandatory life imprisonment for both defendants (Michael Marshall ASHTON PRICE 46 Causing death through the use of a firearm ASHTON PRICE Life imprisonment (Michael Marshall)   47 Murder of a federal informant LEROY PRICE Mandatory life imprisonment as to both defendants (Michael Marshall) ASHTON PRICE

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myles Ranier, David Haller, Brittany Reed, and Jeff Sandman were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JILL ANDRAS LEBLANC, a/k/a JILL FREMIN, age 38, of Thibodaux, was indicted last Friday and charged with eighteen counts of wire fraud and money laundering.

 

According to the Indictment, LEBLANC stole several hundred thousand dollars from her mother's retirement account. More specifically, LEBLANC was appointed power of attorney on October 29, 2008, for her mother who was terminally ill with cancer. LEBLANC’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 LEBLANC’s administration of her mother's account, she stole approximately $369,701 from the account and spent it on personal, frivolous items.

 

If convicted, LEBLANC faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment per count, and/or a fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. LEBLANC will be ordered to pay restitution.

 

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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Office of the Louisiana State Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Duane A. Evans announced that MIGUEL TERRAZAS-ORDONEZ, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty last Thursday to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

According to court documents, TERRAZAS-ORDONEZ was found in the United States on May 11, 2017, after having been previously deported on December 28, 2000.

 

TERRAZAS-ORDONEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty 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 Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for August 31, 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 VENACIO ORTIZ-LEON, age 29, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged last Friday in a one-count Bill of Information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326.

 

According to the Bill of Information, ORTIZ-LEON reentered the United States on or about June 3, 2017, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about January 27, 2011.

 

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

 

Acting 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.

 

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 is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TONY RILEY, age 48, of Empire, Louisiana, was charged Friday in a one-count Indictment for committing mail fraud in relation to the BP settlement fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.

 

According to the indictment, RILEY submitted false documents to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) and the Deepwater Horizon Economic Claims Center (DHECC), in which he claimed that he suffered lost income in relation to his seafood business. As a result of those false claims, RILEY received $221,681.62 in reimbursement to which he was not entitled.

 

If convicted, RILEY faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

 

Acting 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.

 

Acting 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.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RANDOLPH B. MARTIN, age 39, of Metairie, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for a violation of the Federal Gun Control Act.

 

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced MARTIN to three years probation with the first six months to be served on home detention.

 

According to the court documents, Special Agents of the United States Secret Service ("USSS") investigated an allegation of access-device fraud involving MARTIN. Consequently, on April 18, 2012, the agents interviewed MARTIN, who denied that he was involved in the fraud as he was authorized to use the access device, and he consented to the search of his residence. The agents conducted a search at his residence located in Metairie. Agents found and seized a Hi Point Firearms Model CF380, .380 ACP Handgun inside the residence in MARTIN’s bedroom. On April 28, 1995, MARTIN was adjudicated guilty of burglary by the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Based on this adjudication, MARTIN was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Loan "Mimi" Nguyen was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced DAVID SUIAUNOA, a/k/a “DAVE,” age 46, from Torrence, California, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities on the commission of a murder for hire.

 

According to court documents, since on or about December 17, 2015, SUIAUNOA, and co-defendants LUCKY FUA IOSUA and NADINE SAMALAULU PAALA, conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. SUIAUNOA, IOSUA, and DAVID PHILLIPS were also charged with conspiring to commit a murder-for-hire from on or about July 27, 2016. The investigation revealed that PHILLIPS hired SUIAUNOA to kill an individual located in Los Angeles. SUIAUNOA and IOSUA later attempted to hire an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations to find a hitman to complete the murder. SUIAUNOA, IOSUA, and PHILLIPS were all arrested before the victim could be murdered.

 

SUIAUNOA faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a maximum of ten years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000 for conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities on the commission of a murder for hire. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for October 19, 2017. IOSUA, PAALA and PHILLIPS are scheduled for trial on September 11, 2017.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that REYNALDO BRAN FONSECA, age 36, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a three-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien and possession of firearms by an illegal alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced FONSECA to twenty-seven months in prison. Following the completion of his sentence, FONSECA will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to court documents, FONSECA reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 5, 2010.  Court records also indicate that FONSECA illegally possessed a Colt .357 revolver on February 22, 2016 and a Glock semi-automatic pistol on April 7, 2016.

 

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 ALFRED DENNISON, a/k/a “Uncle,” age 58, of Georgia, was sentenced yesterday for his role in a conspiracy to import cocaine from Roatan, Honduras, to the United States via cruise ships.

 

DENNISON previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952(a), 960(a)(1), 960(b)(1)(B), and 963. According to court documents, on January 3, 2016, agents and taskforce officers with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Border Enforcement Security Taskforce were conducting routine surveillance at the New Orleans cruise ship terminal. Agents observed three cruise line workers, later identified as ASBERT LOWMANS, JEAN LOUIS, and ESIAS FELICIEN, enter a restroom where they began removing packages of cocaine from underneath their clothes. Agents detained them along with a fourth cruise line employee, KEVIN JOHN, who also transported cocaine from the ship. Agents seized a total of approximately 4.75 kilograms of cocaine.

 

A subsequent investigation revealed that DENNISON, a native of Jamaica with dual U.S. and Jamaican citizenship, was the intended recipient of the cocaine. DENNISON was arrested at a hotel in New Orleans the same day and he was found in possession of a black plastic bag holding $19,000 in U.S. currency. Agents determined that DENNISON had previously received cocaine shipments in New Orleans on at least four prior occasions. Each shipment of cocaine originated in Roatan, Honduras, and each shipment contained four to five kilograms of cocaine.

 

For DENNISON’s role in importing multiple shipments of cocaine into the United States, U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced him to 80 months incarceration, followed by four years of supervised release, a $5,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the HSI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CRAIG A. TAFFARO, age 70, of Harvey and a former Chief Deputy for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, was charged today in a two-count Indictment with tax evasion and filing a false tax return.

 

According to the Indictment, TAFFARO willfully attempted to evade tax due and owing by, among other things, filing a return with false and exaggerated business expenses. If convicted, TAFFARO faces maximum terms of imprisonment of five years for tax evasion and three years for filing a false return.

 

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 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.

Two owners of psychological services companies, one of whom was a clinical psychologist, were sentenced yesterday for their involvement in a $25.2 million Medicare fraud scheme carried out through eight companies at nursing homes in four states in the Southeastern U.S.

The announcement was made by 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 Jeffrey S. Sallet 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 Regional Office.

Rodney Hesson, 47, of Slidell, Louisiana, and Gertrude Parker, 63 of Slidell, Louisiana, were sentenced on July 13, to 180 months’ imprisonment and 84 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier of the Eastern District of Louisiana. Judge Barbier also ordered Hesson to pay $13,800,553.57 in restitution, and ordered Parker to pay $7,313,379.75 in restitution. The defendants were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to make false statements related to health care matters on January 24.

According to evidence presented at trial, Hesson and Parker’s companies, Nursing Home Psychological Services (NHPS) and Psychological Care Services (PCS), respectively, contracted with nursing homes in Alabama, Florida, Lousiana and Mississippi to allow NHPS and PCS clinical psychologists to provide psychological services to nursing home residents. Hesson and Parker caused these companies to bill Medicare for psychological testing services that these nursing home residents did not need or in some instances did not receive, the trial evidence showed. During trial, evidence was entered showing that between 2009 and 2015, NHPS and PCS submitted over $25.2 million in claims to Medicare, the vast majority of which were fraudulent, while Medicare paid more than $13.5 million on the fraudulent claims. The jury verdict included a money judgment of $8,956,278, as well as forfeiture of Hesson’s home and at least $525,629 in seized currency.

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 Senior Litigiation Counsel John Michelich and Trial Attorneys Katherine Raut and Katherine Payerle of the 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 DARRYL LEWIS, a/k/a “Uncle Tom,” a/k/a “Poppa Tom,” age 63, and DEMOINDE ROWLEY, a/k/a “Chuck,” age 40, both of New Orleans, were sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to federal narcotics charges.

 

DARRYL LEWIS was a street-level dealer in the conspiracy. He sold heroin to customers in the Seventh Ward of New Orleans with several co-conspirators. LEWIS also stored firearms for his co-conspirators and served as a “tester” of heroin. He pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced him to a term of time served (approximately 31 months) in prison, and a supervised release term of 3 years.

 

DEMOINDE ROWLEY likewise was a street-level dealer who purchased heroin from members of the Seventh Ward-based conspiracy. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced ROWLEY to five years of probation.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistance was provided by the DEA New Orleans Field Division, the New Orleans Police Department, the Major Crimes Task Force, the FBI Kansas City Division (Jefferson City Resident Office), and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Payne, Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Andre Lagarde are in charge of prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL DAVID SORINA, JR., age 38, resident of Slidell, 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 SORINA to 120 months incarceration, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

 

On July 25, 2014, SORINA, 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.

 

TERRELL CARNEY pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and is scheduled to be sentenced on 7/20/2017.

 

ANTOINE SMITH pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and is scheduled to be sentenced on 9/21/2017.

 

Acting 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.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SONNY SCOTT, age 37, of New Orleans, was sentenced today for his conviction stemming from a Federal Gun Control Act violation: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced SCOTT to 100 months incarceration, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

 

According to court documents, SCOTT was arrested on January 12, 2017. During a search of SCOTT’s person, SCOTT was found to be in possession of approximately $250 in U.S. currency, 3 grams of heroin, approximately 3 grams of cocaine, numerous unidentified pills individually wrapped in clear plastic bags and a loaded .38 caliber special Smith & Wesson revolver. SCOTT had three prior felony convictions, including one from 2002 for armed robbery and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DONALD EALY, a/k/a “Deebo,” age 38, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

 

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced EALY to 60 months incarceration, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

 

EALY was one of eight defendants charged in a 21-count superseding indictment on September 18, 2015. According to court documents, the superseding indictment originated from an FBI investigation into a heroin-trafficking organization operating primarily around Loyola Avenue and Harmony Street in Central City, New Orleans. The sources of heroin for this organization traveled via Megabus from Houston to New Orleans, carrying half-kilogram quantities of heroin for distribution in the New Orleans area.

 

The group’s two Houston-based heroin suppliers, defendants MARTHA QUINONES and KEVIN GONZALEZ, each pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and were sentenced to 120 months and 57 months imprisonment, respectively. Defendant REGINALD WASHINGTON pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment. Defendants EARL BROWN and WILBERT CLARK pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and were each sentenced to 30 months imprisonment. Two other defendants, THOMAS GORDON and KENNETH HARRIS, have pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and will be sentenced on August 24, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF), which includes FBI, the Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long was responsible for the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANDREW O’NEIL BOWYER, age 26, a resident of Jamaica, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced BOWYER to 78 months incarceration, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. A hearing on restitution is set for October 5, 2017.

According to court records, on or before August 2013, BOWYER and others operated a scheme to contact elderly individuals and people with diminished capacity who would be susceptible to being scammed. The scheme involved contacting victims by telephone through Voice Over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) and informing them they had won the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes or similar lottery and needed to pay BOWYER and others monies by cash, check, wire, and other methods in order to claim their lottery winnings.

BOWYER and others obtained names, addresses, and other biographical information from an unknown source. They used the information to identify victims, telephone them, or direct others to telephone them, to represent that they had won the sweepstakes and inform them they would need to send him or others money in order to claim their winnings.

It was part of the scheme and artifice to defraud that on or around March 30, 2015, BOWYER employed false representations and promises in order to convince V.L., an elderly person, into believing she had won a sweepstakes, causing V.L. to send money via the United States Postal Service to CC-1, a co-conspirator living in New Orleans. V.L. sent the money to CC-1 in reliance on BOWYER’s false representations and promises that if she sent the money to CC-1, she would be awarded sweepstakes winnings. Immediately after receiving the funds in the mail from V.L., CC-1 deposited the money into his bank account in New Orleans, and initiated a wire transfer of the funds from the account to BOWYER’s account in Jamaica.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, and the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman was in charge of the prosecution.