Eastern District of Louisiana

Acting United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JUAN SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ, age 32, a native of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ to time served (5 months), followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ will be surrendered to the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to court documents, on October 28, 2016, SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ was found in the United States after having been previously deported from the United States on February 9, 2016.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHANNON CHRISTOPHER CEASAR, M.D., age 44, a physician and former co-owner and operator of Gulf South Physician’s Group in Metairie, pled guilty today to Counts 1, 2 and 3 of a Superseding Bill of Information.

 

According to court documents, CEASAR pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and dispense, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, quantities of Oxycodone, a Schedule II drug controlled substance. CEASAR ran what was, in essence, a “pill mill,” i.e., an operation in which he prescribed controlled substances to drug seekers and drug abusers without a legitimate medical purpose and in exchange for a flat fee.

 

CEASAR also pled guilty to threatening to assault or murder federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate or interfere with such officers while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties, or with the intent to retaliate. On or about July 20, 2016, at a time when CEASAR suspected he was under investigation, he made repeated threats to kill federal law enforcement officers, in particular officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration

 

Lastly, CEASAR pled guilty to committing and attempting to commit health care fraud. In total, because of CEASAR’s knowing and fraudulent issuance of prescriptions for Schedule II, III, and IV narcotics that he knew were medically unnecessary, health care benefit programs lost approximately $150,000.

 

The maximum penalty CEASAR faces on the drug conspiracy charge is not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. On the threat and health care fraud charges, CEASAR faces a maximum of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and at least 3 years supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on July 26, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services OIG, and Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh, Jordan Ginsberg, and Myles Ranier are in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that APRIL NICOLE GRIZZARD, age 32, of Milledgeville, George, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to two counts of a Superseding Indictment. GRIZZARD was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.

 

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced GRIZZARD to time served (10 months in jail prior to being released on bond) and five years’ supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in September of 2014, a woman in Atlanta agreed to deliver one-half pound of methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Metairie. The woman employed an individual named ALLISON CHRISWELL to deliver the drugs. GRIZZARD, who assisted in obtaining the drugs for delivery, accompanied CHRISWELL to Metairie to deliver the drugs. When GRIZZARD and CHRISWELL arrived in Metairie with the methamphetamine, DEA Agents arrested them.

 

CHRISWELL pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced 96 months incarceration, 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 in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andre’ Jones was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTOPHER JAMIESON, age 34, a resident of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography.

 

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced JAMIESON to 97 months incarceration, five years of supervised release, and ordered that JAMIESON register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

 

According to court documents, in November 2013, Special Agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) and the United States Postal Inspection Service arrested JAMIESON after they determined that JAMIESON was responsible for receiving videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet. JAMIESON pled guilty to knowingly receiving several videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children from Jonathan Johnson, the administrator of a multi-national child pornography website.

 

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 Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that former St. Tammany Parish District Attorney WALTER P. REED, age 70, and his son STEVEN P. REED, age 45, both of Covington, were sentenced today after being convicted by a federal jury in May of 2016.

 

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced WALTER P. REED to 48 months incarceration to be followed by 2 years of supervised release. WALTER P. REED was also ordered to pay $572,000 in restitution, $40,000 to the Internal Revenue Service, and a $15,000 fine. Additionally, per a prior ruling, WALTER P. REED was ordered to pay $609,217.08 in forfeiture. Furthermore, Judge Fallon ordered WALTER P. REED and STEVEN P. REED jointly and severally responsible for $46,200 in forfeiture.

 

STEVEN P. REED was sentenced by U.S Judge Fallon to 5 years probation and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.

 

WALTER P. REED was convicted of one count conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering; seven counts of wire fraud; one count of money laundering; four counts of false statement on income tax return; and, five counts of mail fraud.

 

STEVEN P. REED was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering; one count of wire fraud; and, one count of money laundering,

 

“Walter and Steven Reed broke the law and have now been punished for their crimes,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “We want to assure the public that with the continued assistance from our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, this Office will identify and prosecute any individual who commits an act of public corruption.”

 

"I would like to thank the men and women of the FBI, the IRS, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their hard work on this very important matter," stated FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet.

 

“Today, Walter and Stephen Reed were held accountable for their actions. It is a severe abuse of the public trust when elected officials misuse campaign funds for personal purposes, and abuse their positions for personal gain. IRS – Criminal Investigation is extremely proud of the work we do in cases such as these, and we stand ready to pursue further investigation and criminal actions against individuals engaged in all forms of public corruption,” stated Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for investigating this matter and thanked the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Brian M. Klebba, Maria Carboni, and Jeff Sandman.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHN PAUL PIERRE, age 29, of Kenner, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud.

 

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced PIERRE to 9 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. PIERRE was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount ofU $7,460.06.

 

According to court documents, PIERRE’s co-conspirator, RYAN CLAVERIE, worked as a waiter in a restaurant in Metairie. During the course of his employment, CLAVERIE routinely handled the credit and debit cards of restaurant patrons. CLAVERIE had a credit card “skimmer” that extracted customer account information from the magnetic strip on the back of a credit card and a bank debit card and logged it for later download to a computer.

 

PIERRE and his co-conspirators then used the captured electronic account information contained on the magnetic strips of these valid cards in order to manufacture and produce counterfeit credit cards. The counterfeit credit cards where used to fraudulently obtain things of value for their own personal gain at several retail stores and establishments in the metropolitan New Orleans area.

 

CLAVERIE pled guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing on May 4, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service, New Orleans Field Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Kenner Police Department for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Loan AMimi@ Nguyen was in charge of the prosecution.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that STEPHEN ELLIS, age 53, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to three counts charging violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

 

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced ELLIS to 117 months imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment.

 

According to court documents, ELLIS possessed four firearms subsequent to being previously convicted of felony offenses; possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; and possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, a Schedule II drug controlled substance.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Gretna Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CRISTIAN CESRE-PAZ, age 32, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) & (b)(1).

 

According to the Indictment, CESRE-PAZ reentered the United States after previous deportation on December 27, 2006.

 

CESRE-PAZ 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 Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing on July 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 ERIC BROWN, age 38, from Kentwood, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced BROWN to time served (30 months). Additionally, BROWN was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on June 22, 2014, a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputy responded to a suspicious person report at 69062 South River Road in Kentwood. When the deputy arrived at the residence, he observed individuals flee the residence. The deputy then noticed several males outside the rear of the residence. As the deputy approached the rear of the residence, he detected an odor consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Four individuals were outside the rear of the residence, including BROWN, who was sitting in a white Lincoln. The deputy then noticed in plain view of the vehicle twenty-four zip-lock baggies containing approximately three grams of methamphetamine and a Smith and Wesson .38 special revolver on the vehicle’s floorboard.

The deputy then met with a female at the residence who told the deputy that she and BROWN resided at the residence and that BROWN “cooked” methamphetamine in their bedroom the previous night. Deputies and DEA Task Force Officers searched the residence and found three inactive methamphetamine labs in a refrigerator in the master bedroom.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL TAYLOR, age 48, and LESLIE PECK, age 35, both of Houston, Texas, were sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a two-count Indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. TAYLOR and PECK each pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and distributing 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

 

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced TAYLOR to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. PECK was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long was in charge of the prosecution

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LUIS GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ-RUIZ, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal re-entry of a removed alien.

 

According to court documents, on December 13, 2016, RODRIGUEZ-RUIZ was found in the United States after having been deported previously on February 14, 2013.

 

RODRIGUEZ_RUIZ 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 Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for May 18, 2017.

 

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 YOETNIS VAZQUEZ PEDROSA, age 32, a Cuban national residing in Florida, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and two counts of access device fraud.

 

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced VAZQUEZ PEDROSA to 24 months in prison. Additionally, VAZQUEZ PEDROSA was ordered to pay restitution of $7,873.97 jointly and severally with his codefendants and a $100 special assessment.

 

VAZQUEZ PEDROSA pled guilty to conspiring with five co-defendants to possess fifteen or more unauthorized and counterfeit access devices, as well as producing, possessing, and trafficking device-making equipment. He also pleaded guilty to the substantive offenses of access device fraud and possessing device-making equipment. According to court records, the six defendants traveled from Florida in late July 2015, and agreed to place card skimming devices on gas pumps in the New Orleans area. All defendants have admitted to, among other things, possessing a card encoding machine, a card embossing machine, and a laptop computer containing stolen credit card information. In February 2016, while on bond in this case, VAZQUEZ PEDROSA was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in the Middle District of Florida. That case remains pending, and VAZQUEZ PEDROSA is presumed innocent until proven guilty in that matter.

 

VAZQUEZ PEDROSA is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in this case. JESUS ENRIQUE GONZALES TORRES was previously sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; JULIET ESTRADA PEREZ was sentenced to serve 36 months; and LUIS RIVERA GARCIA was sentenced to a term of 57 months. As part of sentencing, U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown ordered VAZQUEZ PEDROSA to pay restitution of $7,873.97 jointly and severally with his codefendants and a $100 special assessment.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the United States Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHN GIBSON, age 32, of Slidell, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with mail fraud.

 

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced GIBSON to 18 months incarceration, and ordered restitution in the amount of $213,597.35. Upon release from prison, GIBSON will have to serve three years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, GIBSON admitted that from 2008 to 2014, he solicited funds from individuals by falsely representing that he would use their funds to establish investment accounts. GIBSON admitted that he defrauded his investors by diverting their investment funds for his own personal use and benefit.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Toomey was in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that STEVEN LYONS, age 40, pled guilty today to participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy throughout the New Orleans area. Specifically, LYONS acknowledged responsibility for trafficking between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine in furtherance of the conspiracy.

 

According to court documents, in 2016, LYONS was a New Orleans area drug trafficker who was receiving parcels containing various amounts of methamphetamine from sources including codefendants TRUNG PHAM, CARLOS MARIO CANTU-COX, and CHRISTOPHER CANTU-COX. LYONS’s suppliers shipped methamphetamine to New Orleans from out of state using the U.S. Postal Service, Greyhound Package Express, and other services.

 

LYONS faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years of imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000,000 and at least ten years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for LYONS on ­­­­­­June 21, 2017. Codefendants TRUNG PHAM, CARLOS MARIO CANTU-COX and CHRISTOPHER CANTU-COX are scheduled for trial on June 5, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, DEA 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 DENIS A. MUNOZ-RODRIGUEZ, age 33, a native of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced MUNOZ-RODRIGUEZ to time served, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to court documents, on November 3, 2016, MUNOZ-RODRIGUEZ was found in the United States after having been previously deported on January 16, 2003. He also had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States nor the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CRYSTAL LANGDON, age 35, of Slidell, pled guilty today to buying cold medications with the knowledge that they would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

 

According to court documents, LANGDON was engaged in “smurfing,” which involves various individuals going to the same or nearby stores and each making individual purchases of cold medication, which are then grouped together in order to make a batch of methamphetamine. This “smurfing” activity is in response to laws that have been passed in order to combat the domestic production of methamphetamine by restricting the sale of over-the-counter cold medications. These medications often contain pseudoephedrine, which is a precursor chemical that can be processed to create methamphetamine. LANGDON admitted to participating in this “smurfing” activity from May through June of 2015 and to buying over the counter cold medication that she gave to another individual so that he could use it to produce methamphetamine at a house on Swan Street in Slidell.

 

LANGDON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of four years, a fine of up to $25,000, and 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for June 15, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LEJEUNE HARRIS, age 43, of New Orleans, was sentenced today. HARRIS previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more heroin, and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more heroin.

 

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced HARRIS to 240 months imprisonment on the drug conspiracy and 120 months each on the possession and attempted possession charges, to run concurrently. HARRIS was also placed on ten years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

 

According to court records, during a traffic stop of a Fiat on Interstate-10 East in Calcasieu Parish, law enforcement officers found four packages of heroin weighing approximately one kilogram in total. The driver admitted that LARRY DUPOR of Houston had paid her $1,000 in cash to deliver the heroin to HARRIS at a car wash in New Orleans East. The driver stated that she had made similar trips before to deliver heroin between DUPOR and HARRIS. The driver agreed to assist law enforcement by following through with a delivery of ‘sham’ heroin to HARRIS. While under law enforcement surveillance, the driver was met by HARRIS, who took the ‘sham’ packages weighing approximately 750 kilograms in total and then handed the driver $2,000 in cash. HARRIS entered the car wash office and was detained by surveillance agents. Agents obtained a search warrant for the car wash office and recovered an additional 479 grams of heroin in a hidden area where HARRIS had stored the three packages of ‘sham’ heroin.

 

DUPOR pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and attempted distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin. DUPOR is scheduled for sentencing on April 6, 2017.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael B. Redmann and Shirin Hakimzadeh were in charge of the prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVID MICHAEL WHITE, JR., a/k/a “Prince Loyalty,” age 33, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to use of an interstate facility to promote prostitution.

 

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced WHITE to 33 months incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. WHITE was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment.

 

According to court documents, WHITE operated a prostitution business based in New Orleans, Louisiana. To recruit customers, WHITE used the internet website www.backpage.com (“Backpage”) to post “escort” ads and market women for prostitution. In August 2015, WHITE arranged for a victim, a 19 year-old woman from Shreveport, whom he met over the internet, to visit him for a date. When WHITE picked up the victim from the bus station, WHITE told the victim he was a pimp. WHITE persuaded and enticed the victim to engage in commercial sex acts for his personal financial benefit, by posting advertisements of her for commercial sex services on Backpage. WHITE also pled guilty to advertising a 19-year-old female victim from New Orleans on Backpage in January 2013. WHITE received all the proceeds from the commercial sex acts both victims performed as result of WHITE’S Backpage postings.

 

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 Julia K. Evans was in charge of this prosecution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARIO FUENTES-VELASQUEZ, age 29, a native of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced FUENTES-VELASQUEZ to time served (seven months), one year of supervised release and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to court documents, on September 7, 2016, FUENTES-VELASQUEZ was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on August 29, 2013. He also had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

 

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ARTHUR RESPERT, age 26, of Kenner, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one-count of theft of mail.

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced RESPERT to two years of probation. A hearing on restitution is set for May 11, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

According to court documents, RESPERT worked at the Armstrong International Airport for Air General, Inc. From on or about October 24, 2014 to September 3, 2015, RESPERT stole letters and other packages addressed to individuals across the United States.

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

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GROSS WILLIAMS, age 49, and his wife, KATHLEEN WILLIAMS, age 47, both of New Orleans, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt.

 

GROSS WILLIAMS had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine, as well as illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. GROSS WILLIAMS was sentenced to 276 months imprisonment on the drug conspiracy and 120 months on the gun charge, to run concurrently. He was also fined $20,000 and placed on ten years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

 

KATHLEEN WILLIAMS had previously pled guilty to obstruction of justice for destroying a cellular phone used by GROSS WILLIAMS in his drug dealing activity. KATHLEEN WILLIAMS was sentenced to four years of probation, with the initial nine months to be on house arrest.

 

According to court documents, GROSS WILLIAMS was a large-scale narcotics dealer. He operated a used car business in Arabi that served as a cover and means of laundering his drug proceeds. Law enforcement officers seized over $425,000 in cash and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol from the WILLIAMS’ bedroom during a search, and later discovered another $240,000 in cash in a safe deposit box that KATHLEEN WILLIAMS had opened in her name. Through a detailed financial investigation, law enforcement was able to show that GROSS WILLIAMS deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash into the bank accounts of his used car business despite selling only a few midrange models each year. KATHLEEN WILLIAMS also admitted that she destroyed her husband’s “dope phone” the day that he was arrested.

 

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and Louisiana Probation and Parole, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Hayden Brockett were in charge of the prosecution.

Cleveland School District to Open Consolidated Middle and High Schools by August 2017

 

U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown of the Northern District of Mississippi today approved a joint settlement agreement filed on Feb. 8 by the Justice Department, private plaintiffs, and the Cleveland School District. The agreement will lead to the effective desegregation of Cleveland’s middle and high schools by the start of the next school year.

Under the terms approved today, the school district agrees to comply with a May 13, 2016 court ruling mandating consolidation of Cleveland middle and high schools to remedy decades-long segregation in the school district. The consolidated high school, to be named Cleveland Central High School, will open by August at the current Margaret Green/Cleveland High campus. Also by August, the district will open the consolidated middle school (seventh and eighth grades), Cleveland Central Middle School, at the current East Side High facility. Under the agreement, sixth grade students will attend district elementary schools rather than the consolidated middle school.

As part of the agreement, the district and plaintiffs have withdrawn all alternative desegregation proposals from consideration by the Court. The district has also withdrawn its pending appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

“The Department is pleased to have reached agreement with the Cleveland School District and private plaintiffs to settle this decades-long litigation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The plan approved today allows the community to move forward together. It reflects the parties’ shared commitment to high quality equal educational opportunities for all Cleveland students.”

Additional information is available on the Justice Department’s website at: www.justice.gov/opa/pr/federal-court-orders-justice-department-desegregation-plan-cleveland-mississippi-schools.

Promoting school desegregation and enforcing Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHHAY LIM, age 45, a citizen of Cambodia, pled guilty today, on the day of trial, to a two-count Indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.

 

According to the court documents, on or about March 2, 2015, LIM, an illegal alien, was found in possession of a TriStar 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Marlin Model 6082, .22 caliber rifle.

 

LIM faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for May 17, 2017.

 

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

Kenneth A. Polite, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, has announced that he has submitted his resignation to President Trump and Attorney General Sessions, effective on March 24, 2017.

 

Polite stated, “I have enjoyed this great opportunity to serve as U.S. Attorney here in Southeast Louisiana. More importantly, it has been the highest honor to lead this Office’s outstanding employees who are committed to the ideals of collegiality, diligence, and professionalism. I am confident that these public servants will continue to ensure that justice reaches out to all residents of this region. Regardless of my title or position, I will always work to improve the lives of our region’s residents, especially our young people.”

 

Polite, age 41, began his tenure in September 2013, during one of the most difficult periods in the Office’s history. He will depart after having focused on improving the Office’s prosecutorial efficiency and transparency, strengthening its regional collaboration with both law enforcement and the residents they serve, and fostering greater community interest in both prevention and reentry as necessary tools for improving public safety.

 

Polite realigned the Office’s personnel to better reflect its prosecutorial priorities. In addition to increasing the number of prosecutors handling violent crime matters, Polite established the Office’s first dedicated Public Integrity Unit, responsible for investigating public corruption and civil rights violations. He also strengthened the Office’s National Security Unit, adding six AUSAs to address terrorism, immigration, and environmental matters. Over the past 3.5 years, the Office’s enforcement efforts resulted in, among other matters, convictions of:

 

• several multi-defendant gang organizations responsible for terrorizing the region through drug trafficking, gun violence, and homicides;

• several high-profile political corruption defendants, including the former Mayor of New Orleans and the former District Attorneys of St. Tammany and St. Charles Parishes;

• various former law enforcement officers responsible for criminal violations of civil rights;

• numerous child pornographers throughout the country, particularly as part of Operation Roundtable;

• clinics, physicians, and medical staff, as part of multi-million-dollar health care fraud schemes;

  individual and corporate polluters of the region’s waterways; and

• more human traffickers than in any prior U.S. Attorney’s tenure in the Office’s history, including the country’s first conviction of a motel operator for benefitting from sex trafficking.

 

Polite also emphasized transparency of the Office’s work. The Office now issues a press release at the charging, conviction, and sentencing phases of every criminal matter. Internally, Polite issued a weekly office report, advising his staff of the tremendous criminal, civil, outreach, and administrative work being done across the Office. In collaboration with the U.S. Probation Office, the Federal Defenders’ Office, and the federal judiciary, the Office also began sharing Pretrial Risk Assessment scores with all parties – defendants, counsel, prosecutors, and judges – in a criminal matter, resulting in a significant decrease in unnecessary pretrial detention.

 

From the outset of his tenure, Polite focused on reestablishing the Office’s regional presence. Polite regularly traveled throughout all 13 parishes, seeking to improve working relationships and communication with community leaders, educators, students, and law enforcement. Local, state, and federal law enforcement officials from across the region regularly attended training sessions and conferences hosted by the Office.

 

Under Polite’s leadership, the Office brought to the region two well-known initiatives – the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence and Project LEAD – as means of empowering young people to help reduce violence. Through these programs the Office and its employees engaged with thousands of young people each year. Polite also established the Crescent City Keepers, a ground-breaking organizational mentoring initiative focusing on youth most at risk of becoming homicide victims.

 

The successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals was a notable priority for Polite. In partnership with the New Orleans Business Council, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local businesses, he created the 30-2-2 Reentry Collaborative, a workforce pipeline for ex-offenders returning to the Southeast Louisiana community. The initiative now offers valuable support for state and federal reentry courts and their participants. In collaboration with the U.S. Probation Office, the Federal Defenders’ Office, and the federal judiciary, the Office developed the LEAP program, where low-level offenders with verified substance addictions receive treatment, counseling, educational resources, and employment training, rather than long-term incarceration. Polite also regularly visited many of the state and federal prison facilities in Louisiana, addressing incarcerated individuals about the potential resources available to assist in their successful return to their communities.

 

In April 2015, then-Attorney General Lynch appointed Polite to serve on the Attorney General's Advisory Committee ("AGAC"). The AGAC serves as the voice of the 93 U.S. Attorneys across the nation and provides advice and counsel to the Attorney General and other senior leaders in the U.S. Department of Justice on policy, management, and operational issues. In addition, Polite served as a member of the AGAC Subcommittees on Violent and Organized Crime, White Collar Crime, and Civil Rights, as well as the Smart on Crime Working Group.

 

Polite has received numerous awards for his leadership as U.S. Attorney, including the Leadership in the Law award from New Orleans City Business, the Goldman Criminal Justice Reform award from Court Watch NOLA, and the Community Light in Mentorship award from Each One, Save One. Loyola University Law School awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Laws, and De La Salle High School, where Polite graduated as valedictorian, endowed a scholarship in his name to honor a graduating senior who has excelled in scholarship and leadership.

 

Polite has become a nationally-recognized public speaker, offering his powerful personal story and voice on issues such as civic empowerment, community trust, and criminal justice reform. He has addressed audiences at Stanford, Yale, Columbia and New York University law schools, countless civic organizations, and most importantly, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate schools across Louisiana.

 

Polite and his family will continue to reside in New Orleans. Details regarding his future endeavors, in both the public and private sectors, are forthcoming.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALVEREZ SORAPURU, age 40, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty today to a two count Superseding Bill of Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin.

 

According to court documents, from prior to January 2014, and continuing until on or about December 12, 2014, SORAPURU knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. He also knowingly and intentionally used a communication facility, to wit, a telephone, in committing that crime.

 

SORAPURU faces a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for the Count 1 conspiracy charge. He faces up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the Count 2 phone charge. SORAPURU also faces a special assessment of $200. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing for June 1, 2017.

 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Theodore R. Carter, III is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LEROY SMITH, age 33, of New Orleans East, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug-trafficking activities.

 

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced SMITH to 211 months of incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in 2014 and 2015, SMITH and others engaged in a conspiracy to distribute acetyl fentanyl and heroin to over twenty different customers in the New Orleans area. SMITH worked with his coconspirators to order and receive packages of acetyl fentanyl from a source in China. In April 2015, law enforcement intercepted two packages of acetyl fentanyl that were mailed from the Chinese source to associates of SMITH in the New Orleans area. The packages contained a total of one-and-a-half kilograms of acetyl fentanyl, which SMITH planned to package and resell as “heroin” in the New Orleans area. At the time of his arrest on July 13, 2015, SMITH was in possession of heroin, drug paraphernalia, almost $3,000 in United States currency, and multiple loaded firearms.

 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Customs and Border Protection, United States Postal Service, Louisiana State Police, New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and Nicholas D. Moses were responsible for the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WANDA WELLS CORNISH, age 46, of Ponchatoula, pled guilty today to theft of government funds.

According to court documents, beginning in 2011 and continuing until 2015, CORNISH served as the Executive Director of the Ponchatoula Housing Authority (“PHA”). CORNISH functioned as the chief administrator responsible for the overall operations of the PHA and had authority to make purchases on behalf of PHA and manage PHA bank accounts for the benefit of the PHA. CORNISH possessed a PHA credit card and used that credit card to purchase items for her own personal use (rather than for the benefit of the PHA) in the amount of approximately $27,000.

CORNISH faces a maximum of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for June 29, 2017.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development in investigating this matter. Assistant Attorney Sean Toomey is in charge of the prosecution.

 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAVIER CANIZALEZ-HERNANDEZ, age 39, from Honduras, was charged today in a one-count Indictment with illegal use of a Social Security Number, in violation of 42 U.S.C. '408(a)(7)(B)

 

According to the Indictment, CANIZALEZ-HERNANDEZ used a Social Security Number that was not assigned to him to obtain a Louisiana Identification card from the DMV office in Houma.

 

If convicted, CANIZALEZ-HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

 

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

 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DEVONTE WEST, age 21, of Hammond, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

 

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 and LLOYD completed a drug transaction. Lloyd was fatally wounded in the shooting.

 

A search of WEST’S residence revealed approximately two ounces of heroin, some Roxicodone pills 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.

 

For the drug possession count, WEST faces a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000. For the gun possession count, WEST faces a minimum term of five years imprisonment to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

 

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

 

U.S. Attorney Polite 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 is in charge of the prosecution.

 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that OSCAR OMAR CAMPOS-ROJAS, age 27, a native of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

 

According to court documents, CAMPOS-ROJAS, was previously removed from the United States on April 4, 2011. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on August 17, 2015, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

 

CACERES-GUERRERO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, as well as a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for x x, 2017.

 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MARLIN CACERES-GUERRERO, age 28, a native of Honduras, was charged today 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, CACERES-GUERRERO, was previously removed from the United States on May 3, 2013. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 21, 2017, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

 

If convicted, CACERES-GUERRERO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

 

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

 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JORGE EDUARDO VALLEJO, age 37, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.

 

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced VALLEJO to 10 months imprisonment to be followed by 1 year of supervised release. Following completion of his sentence, VALLEJO will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to the court records, on or about July 12, 2014, VALLEJO, an alien illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a SCCY Model CPX-2, 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WILSON MAURICIO OSORTO-ESTRADA, age 35, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) & (b)(2).

 

According to the court documents, OSOTRO-ESTRADA reentered the United States after he was previously deported on January 17, 2013.

 

If convicted, OSOTRO-ESTRADA 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 Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for May 18, 2017.

 

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

 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LUIS RIVERA GARCIA, age 27, a Cuban national residing in Florida, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

 

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced RIVERA GARCIA to 57 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and $7,873.90 in restitution.

 

RIVERA GARCIA pled guilty to conspiring with co-defendants to possess fifteen or more unauthorized and counterfeit access devices, as well as producing, possessing, and trafficking device-making equipment. According to court records, the defendants traveled from Florida in late July 2015, and agreed to place card skimming devices on gas pumps in the New Orleans area. They also admitted to, among other things, possessing a card encoding machine, a card embossing machine, and a laptop computer containing stolen credit card information. In April 2016, while on bond in this case, RIVERA GARCIA and co-defendants, JULIET ESTRADA PEREZ and JESUS ENRIQUE GONZALES TORRES, were arrested in the Southern District of Florida on new state charges of committing credit card fraud, after they were found in the Florida Strait between Florida and Cuba by the United States Coast Guard, and have been detained since then as flight risks.

 

RIVERA GARCIA is the third defendant to be sentenced in this case. In January 2017, PEREZ and TORRES were sentenced to 36 months and 30 months imprisonment respectively. As part of sentencing, U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown found that RIVERA GARCIA was an organizer and leader of the conspiracy. She further ordered the RIVERA GARCIA pay restitution of $7,873.90 jointly and severally with his codefendants and a $100 special assessment.

 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the United States Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett was in charge of the prosecution.

 

WASHINGTON – Wood Group PSN Inc., a Nevada corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas, was ordered to pay $9.5 million today in two separate cases involving their conduct in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, Wood Group PSN was ordered to pay $7 million for falsely reporting over several years that personnel had performed safety inspections on offshore facilities in the Gulf of Mexico in the Western District of Louisiana, and $1.8 million for negligently discharging oil into the Gulf of Mexico in violation of the Clean Water Act after an explosion on an offshore facility in the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeff Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana Stephanie A. Finley, and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Kenneth A. Polite. Wood Group PSN was also ordered to pay $700,000 in community service to projects in the areas where the criminal conduct took place.

 

“The events of November 2012 at West Delta 32 were tragic, and since then federal prosecutors have worked diligently to investigate and understand the full scope of criminal conduct,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “Today’s plea agreement demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to the integrity of federal safety programs and accountability for those who falsify federal safety inspection reports. In addition, the plea agreement ensures that Wood Group is held responsible for its wrongful pollution of the Gulf of Mexico, and it will bring community service projects to benefit the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Coast communities.”

 

“Ensuring that public resources are developed in a professional and responsible manner is among the highest priorities for this department, and the OIG is committed to work with its Federal partners to hold violators accountable when they choose to ignore their professional and legal responsibilities and place the public and environment at risk,” said Ronald Gonzales, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the Interior OIG’s Energy Investigations Unit stated, “Developing domestic sources of energy is of vital importance to our nation. This development must be done responsibly and safely to protect public health and the environment,” said Christopher R. Brooks, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Louisiana. “This case is an example of federal law enforcement partners holding individuals accountable for their illegal conduct, and ensuring that the hard work invested in restoring the Gulf of Mexico is not jeopardized.”

 

According to the factual basis of the company’s plea agreement in the false reporting case, from April of 2011 to July of 2014, employees at Wood Group PSN’s Cameron, La., office failed to inspect and maintain facilities they had contracts with on the Outer Continental Shelf’s Creole Loop, and also falsely indicated that the facilities had been properly inspected and maintained according to federal safety and environmental regulations. The company operators at the Cameron office had trouble keeping up with inspections and maintenance on facilities they serviced. The office did not have sufficient labor and transportation, and the work was not always completed on time. The employees, from operators to clerks, then falsified reports to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. The company admitted to 87 violations on offshore platforms.

 

Wood Group PSN’s Clean Water Act conviction stems from an explosion on Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, L.L.C.’s (BEE) offshore oil production facility located at area West Delta 32 in the Gulf of Mexico. According to court documents, BEE had contracted with Wood Group PSN for individuals to man and conduct production operations at the West Delta 32 facility. Beginning on November 3, 2012 and continuing through November 16, 2012, construction was being conducted at the West Delta 32 facility. Wood Group PSN supported the construction by issuing hot work permits for welding.

 

However, starting on or about Nov. 10, 2012, the Wood Group PSN Person-in-Charge, Christopher Srubar, stopped issuing hot work permits and conducting all-hands safety meetings, and instead delegated the hot work permitting to a less experienced operator. On Nov. 16, 2012, Grand Isle Shipyards, Inc. (GIS) construction superintendent, Curtis Dantin, assigned workers to perform welding in three different areas of the “E” platform, including sump line piping that had previously contained hydrocarbons but had not been made safe for hot work, or identified in a permit as an area safe for hot work. The sump line piping led to an oil storage tank that contained hydrocarbons contaminated with water, also known as the wet oil tank.

 

After the construction workers had cut and grinded the sump line piping the morning of Nov. 16, they attempted to weld on the cut piping with an arc welder. At that time, hydrocarbon vapors that had escaped from the wet oil tank ignited. The ignition caused an explosion setting off a series of additional explosions in the three oil tanks on the “E” platform. One of the dry oil tanks and the wet oil tank were blown into the Gulf of Mexico. The other dry oil tank was blown off its base and destroyed the platform crane. Oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico causing a sheen on the water. Oil rained down to the lower deck of the platform where workers had been performing other construction activity. The fire and explosions that occurred resulted in the deaths of construction workers, Avelino Tajonera, Elroy Corporal, and Jerome Malagapo. Other workers were seriously burned and physically injured.

 

Wood Group PSN admitted that its employees were negligent in the way they authorized hot work on West Delta 32, and that a lack of communication between personnel on the platform, including Wood Group PSN’s Person-in-Charge, Christopher Srubar, contributed to the events that caused oil to be discharged into the Gulf of Mexico in a harmful quantity.

 

Co-defendants, BEE and GIS face manslaughter charges, and Curtis Dantin, Christopher Srubar, and Don Moss face criminal violations of the Clean Water Act in the Eastern District of Louisiana before the Honorable Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, in case no. 15-cr-197 “H.” BEE also faces eight felony counts of regulatory violations under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

 

Charges against Don Moss, Christopher Srubar, Curtis Dantin, and GIS under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act that were dismissed by the district court are pending an interlocutory appeal by the government to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, case no. 16-30561.

 

The U.S. Department of the Interior-Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-CID conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and David D. Joseph prosecuted the case for the Western District of Louisiana, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Greenfield and Nicholas Moses, and Department of Justice Senior Trial Attorney Ken Nelson prosecuted the case for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced that STEVE COLLINS TURNER, SR., age 73, of Port Sulphur, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to mail fraud in connection with a false claim of $300,000 related to the BP Oil Spill.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced TURNER to five years probation, six months home detention, $300,000 in restitution, and $100 special assessment.

The Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) made disaster assistance money available to individuals and businesses affected by the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon explosion that occurred on April 20, 2010. The GCCF required individuals to verify loss of income. According to court records, TURNER applied for an Emergency Advance Payment seeking $300,000 in damages for lost money because of the Deepwater Horizon Disaster by submitting false documentation. TURNER submitted false documents regarding oyster buying businesses showing he sold oysters to the businesses when he really did not.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. was in charge of the prosecution.

 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALLEN GAUTREAX, age 36, of Lockport, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

 

According to court documents, GAUTREAUX conspired to distribute between 30 grams and 40 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine throughout the New Orleans area.

 

GAUTREAUX is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing on June 28, 3017.

 

U.S. Attorney Polite 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 is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced the conviction of defendants JASMINE PERRY, age 26; LEROY PRICE, age 31; ASHTON PRICE, age 25; ALONZO PETERS, age 27; MCCOY WALKER, age 26; TERRIOUES OWNEY, age 30; EVANS LEWIS, age 25; CURTIS NEVILLE, age 24; SOLOMON DOYLE, age 31; and, DAMIAN BARNES, age 28, all of New Orleans, following a six-week trial.

 

COUNT

CHARGE

DEFENDANTS

PENALTIES

1

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

All defendants guilty of RICO

 

PERRY – Guilty in murders of

Kendall Faibvre, and Gregory Keys;

Not guilty in murders of Anthony Charles Brown, Jr., Terrance Dennis, and Littlejohn Haynes,

 

LEROY PRICE – Guilty in murders of Lester Green, Donald Daniels, Elton Fields, and Michael Marshall

 

ASHTON PRICE – Guilty in murders of Kendall Faibvre, and Michael Marshall

Not guilty in murders of Rayshon Jones, Anthony Charles Brown, Jr., and Terrance Dennis

 

PETERS – Not guilty in murder of Kendall Faibvre

 

WALKER – Guilty in murders of Lester Green, Jerome Hampton, and Renetta Lowe

 

OWNEY – Guilty in murders of Lester Green, Donald Daniels, Elton Fields, Jerome Hampton, and Renetta Lowe

 

LEWIS –Guilty in murder of Littlejohn Haynes;

Not guilty in murders of Lester Green and Anthony Brown, Jr.

 

NEVILLE – Guilty in murder of Littlejohn Haynes;

Not guilty in murder of Hansel Picard

 

DOYLE – Not guilty in murder of Littlejohn Haynes

 

BARNES – Not guilty in murder of Floyd Moore

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

(if special finding that defendant committed a murder)

 

Otherwise,

Maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

2

Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances

Below defendants are all guilty of 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of cocaine base

 

LEROY PRICE, ASHTON PRICE, PETERS, WALKER, NEVILLE and

BARNES

10 years to life imprisonment;

minimum of 5 years supervised release;

maximum $10,000 fine; $100 special assessment

 

 

3

Conspiracy to use and carry and to possess firearms

Guilty: PERRY, LEROY PRICE, ASHTON PRICE, PETERS, WALKER, OWNEY, NEVILLE, and BARNES

 

Not guilty: DOYLE

Maximum of 20 years imprisonment;

maximum of 5 years supervised release;

maximum fine of $250,000; $100 special assessment

4

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Kendall Faibvre)

Guilty: PERRY and ASHTON PRICE

 

Not Guilty: PETERS

Mandatory life imprisonment

5

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Kendall Faibvre)

Guilty: PERRY and ASHTON PRICE

 

Not guilty: PETERS

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

6

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Jasmine Jones)

Guilty: PERRY and ASHTON PRICE

 

Not guilty: PETERS

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

7

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Jasmine Jones)

Guilty: PERRY and ASHTON PRICE

 

Not guilty: PETERS

Not less than 10 years consecutive;

maximum 5 years supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

8

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Elton Williams)

Not guilty: WALKER

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

9

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Quiniece Noble)

Not guilty: WALKER

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

10

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Elton Williams)

Not guilty: WALKER

Maximum of life imprisonment; 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

11

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Quiniece Noble)

Not guilty: WALKER

Maximum of life imprisonment; 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

12

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Rayshon Jones)

Not guilty: ASHTON PRICE

Mandatory life

13

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Rayshon Jones)

Not guilty: ASHTON PRICE

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

14

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Lester Green)

Guilty: LEROY PRICE, WALKER, and OWNEY

 

Not guilty: LEWIS

Mandatory life

15

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Lester Green)

Guilty: OWNEY

 

Not Guilty: LEROY PRICE, WALKER, and LEWIS

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

16

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Jamal Smith)

Guilty: LEROY PRICE, WALKER, and OWNEY

 

Not guilty: LEWIS

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

17

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Jamal Smith)

Guilty: OWNEY

 

Not guilty: LEROY PRICE, WALKER, and LEWIS

Maximum of life imprisonment; 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

18

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Donald Daniels)

Guilty: LEROY PRICE and OWNEY

 

 

Mandatory life

19

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Donald Daniels)

Guilty: OWNEY

 

Not guilty: LEROY PRICE

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

20

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Anthony Charles Brown, Jr.)

Not guilty: PERRY, ASHTON PRICE, and LEWIS

Mandatory life

21

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Anthony Charles Brown, Jr.)

Not guilty: PERRY, ASHTON PRICE, and LEWIS

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

22

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Elton Fields)

Guilty: LEROY PRICE and OWNEY

Mandatory life

23

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Elton Fields)

Guilty: OWNEY

 

Not guilty: LEROY PRICE

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

24

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Jerome Hampton)

Guilty: WALKER and OWNEY

Mandatory life

25

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Jerome Hampton and Renetta Lowe)

Guilty: WALKER and OWNEY

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

26

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Renetta Lowe)

Guilty: WALKER and OWNEY

Mandatory life

27

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Terrance Dennis)

Not guilty: PERRY and ASHTON PRICE

Mandatory life

28

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Terrance Dennis)

Not guilty: PERRY and ASHTON PRICE

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

29

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Littlejohn Haynes)

Guilty: LEWIS and NEVILLE

 

Not Guilty: PERRY and DOYLE

Mandatory life

30

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Littlejohn Haynes)

Guilty: LEWIS and NEVILLE

 

Not guilty: PERRY and DOYLE

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

31

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Floyd Moore)

Not guilty: BARNES

Mandatory life

32

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Floyd Moore)

Not guilty: BARNES

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

33

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Albert Hardy)

Guilty: PERRY and NEVILLE

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

34

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Albert Hardy)

Guilty: PERRY and NEVILLE

Maximum of life imprisonment; 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

35

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Kelvin Baham)

Guilty: PERRY and NEVILLE

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

36

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Kelvin Baham)

Guilty: PERRY and NEVILLE

Maximum of life imprisonment; 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

37

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Carrie Henry)

Guilty: PERRY and NEVILLE

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

38

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Carrie Henry)

Guilty: PERRY and NEVILLE

Maximum of life imprisonment; 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

39

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Gregory Keys)

Guilty: PERRY

Mandatory life

40

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Gregory Keys)

Guilty: PERRY

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

41

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering

(Kendrick Smothers)

Guilty: PERRY

Maximum 20 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

42

Use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime

(Kendrick Smothers)

Guilty: PERRY

Maximum of life imprisonment; 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

43

Possess with intent to distribute heroin

Guilty: NEVILLE

Maximum 20 years imprisonment;

Minimum 3 years supervised release;

$1,000,000 fine

44

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Guilty: NEVILLE

5 years to life imprisonment; 3 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

45

Murder in aid of racketeering

(Michael Marshall

Guilty: LEROY PRICE and ASHTON PRICE

Mandatory life

46

Causing death through the use of a firearm

(Michael Marshall)

Guilty: ASHTON PRICE

 

Not guilty: LEROY PRICE

Maximum sentence of life imprisonment;

maximum 5 years supervised release;

maximum $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

47

Murder of a federal informant

(Michael Marshall)

Guilty: LEROY PRICE and ASHTON PRICE

Maximum of life imprisonment;

Maximum of 5 years supervised release; $250,000 fine; $100 special assessment

 

U.S. Attorney Polite stated, "Today's guilty verdicts represent important victories for the victims and communities that these defendants once terrorized.”

 

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jeff Sallet stated, "Today's verdict regarding the violent and ruthless 39ers gang members clearly demonstrates that our city and its citizens will not tolerate this type of activity anymore. Through dedicated partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the U.S. Attorney's Office, the 39ers gang was brought to justice and will ultimately be held accountable for their many transgressions."

 

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

WASHINGTON – A Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana return preparer pleaded guilty today to her role in a scheme to file federal tax returns using stolen IDS, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

 

According to the documents filed with the court, from 2008 through 2016, Alicia Washington aka Alicia Keith, 41, and others obtained electronic filing identification numbers (EFINs) in the names of several tax return preparation businesses and used them to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To prepare these returns, Washington used stolen IDs belonging to individuals who had been arrested or jailed. Washington and others in the scheme directed the IRS to issue refunds in the form of checks and prepaid debit cards, which were then negotiated by co-conspirators working as check cashers.

 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 31 before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan. Washington faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count. Washington also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

 

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Polite commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.

 

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

A Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana return preparer pleaded guilty today to her role in a scheme to file federal tax returns using stolen IDS, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

 

According to the documents filed with the court, from 2008 through 2016, Alicia Washington aka Alicia Keith, 41, and others obtained electronic filing identification numbers (EFINs) in the names of several tax return preparation businesses and used them to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To prepare these returns, Washington used stolen IDs belonging to individuals who had been arrested or jailed. Washington and others in the scheme directed the IRS to issue refunds in the form of checks and prepaid debit cards, which were then negotiated by co-conspirators working as check cashers.

 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 31 before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan. Washington faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count. Washington also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.

 

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Polite commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.

 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CLINT A. SCHWAB, age 42, of Thibodaux, pled guilty yesterday to theft of Social Security benefits.

 

According to court documents, SCHWAB began receiving Social Security disability benefits in 1998. In or around 2008, SCHWAB returned to work, but did not inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) as required by law. In January 2016, SCHWAB was interviewed by the SSA and falsely informed the agency that he had never worked as a disabled claimant. However, SCHWAB failed to inform the SSA that he was working while also receiving monthly disability payments. SCHWAB collected Social Security disability payments to which he was not entitled from 2008 until early 2016.

 

The maximum penalty for theft of government funds is ten years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for May 25, 2017.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney, Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TREVOIR JACKSON, age 36, of New Orleans, was charged on February 9, 2017, in a two-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and possession of a stolen firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j).

 

According to the indictment, JACKSON possessed a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun that had previously been reported stolen. If convicted, JACKSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

 

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

 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Ryan McLaren and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nolan D. Paige are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GERALD URSIN, JR., age 63, of New Orleans and a retired Chief Deputy of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (“OPSO”), was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced URSIN to three years probation, a $10,000 fine, $25,178 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment.

According to court documents, beginning in 2009 and continuing until January 2014, URSIN and others participated in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. URSIN admitted that in his role as a Chief Deputy in the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, he engaged in a scheme to defraud local entities and events, including Mardi Gras Krewes, music and food festivals, and sporting events, by padding the billing documents with names of individuals who did not in fact provide any security services (“Ghost Employees”).

Additionally, URSIN admitted that after the fraudulently inflated invoices were submitted via interstate wires, a portion of the overbilled amount was given to him in the form of checks made payable to family members under the fraudulent guise of payments for detail work that in fact did not take place. 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office in investigating this matter and acknowledged the assistance provided by the Louisiana Legislative Auditors. Assistant Attorney Sean Toomey was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JUAN SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ, age 32, a native of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

 

According to court documents, SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ, was previously removed from the United States on February 9, 2016. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on October 28, 2016 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

 

SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, as well as a fine of $250,000. United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for April 5, 2017.

 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JUAN SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ, age 32, a native of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

 

According to court documents, SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ, was previously removed from the United States on February 9, 2016. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on October 28, 2016 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

 

SALAMANCA-CHAVEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, as well as a fine of $250,000. United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for April 5, 2017.

 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RANDOLPH B. MARTIN, age 39, of Metairie, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with violation of the Federal Gun Control Act.

 

According to the Bill of Information, 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.

 

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

 

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

 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Secret Service, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Loan "Mimi" Nguyen is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that OLVIN CASTILLO-CRUZ, age 34, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman sentenced CASTILLO-CRUZ to time served and ordered him to pay a $2,000 fine. CASTILLO-CRUZ will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

 

According to court documents, CASTILLO-CRUZ reentered the United States after he was previously deported on January 19, 2011.

 

U.S. Attorney Polite 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.

 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANGEL GUZMAN-RODRIGUEZ age 28, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

According to the Indictment, GUZMAN-RODRIGUEZ reentered the United States after having been previously deported on March 9, 2012.

 

If convicted, GUZMAN-RODRIGUEZ 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 May 3, 2017.

 

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

 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RUDY OTONIEL AZANON-RODAS, age 51, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information for reentry of a removed alien, in violation of8 U.S.C. § 1326.

According to the Bill of Information, on or about December 29, 2016, AZANON­ RODAS was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about May 2, 1986.

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

 

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

 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene Gonzalez is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that NORWIN CASTELLON-LOPEZ, age 39, a citizen of Nicaraguan, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with illegally re-entering the United States having previously been deported as an illegal alien and having previously been convicted of a felony.

 

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

 

CASTELLON-LOPEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson is in charge of the prosecution.