Eastern District of Louisiana

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ARTHUR RESPERT, age 25, of Kenner, pled guilty today to one-count of theft of mail.

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

RESPERT 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. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for December, 1, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite 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.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TROY KENDRICK, JR., age 33, GARRICK JONES, age 37, TRAVIS CARTER, age 37, MICHAEL SANDERS, age 34, and RESHAD FRANK, age 38, all of Reserve, were charged today in a nine-count Indictment. 

According to the Indictment, KENDRICK, JONES, CARTER, SANDERS, and FRANK conspired to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).  KENDRICK, JONES, and CARTER were also charged with distribution of crack.  If convicted of the charge of conspiracy to distribute crack, KENDRICK, JONES, and CARTER face a term of imprisonment of at least five and up to forty years, a fine of $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, while SANDERS and FRANK face a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

JONES and CARTER were also charged with retaliating against a witness for information provided to law enforcement relating to the commission of a federal offense.  If convicted of that charge, each defendant faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

KENDRICK and JONES, each of whom had previously been convicted of felonies, were also both charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, all of which occurred on August 17, 2016.  KENDRICK possessed an FN Herstal, model Five-Seven, pistol, a Lorcin, model L380, .380 caliber pistol, a Taurus, model PT140, .40 caliber pistol, a Ruger, model SR45, .45 caliber pistol, and a Magnum Research, Inc., model Desert Eagle, .44 caliber pistol.  JONES possessed a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber pistol.  If convicted of these gun charges, each defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of at least five years, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

“This Indictment is an example of our region's outstanding cooperation across local, state, and federal law enforcement,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite.  “Collectively, we are committed to stopping drug trafficking and the violence that often accompanies it.”

“The wreckage caused by drugs and violence affects everyone, not just in large cities, but also in small towns and rural areas like the city of Reserve and St. John the Baptist Parish,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. “No matter the amounts of drugs they sell, drug dealers breed crime in our neighborhoods and are a danger to our children. The arrests in this investigation demonstrate to the citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish that federal, state, and local law enforcement can come together and accomplish great things. It should also serve as a warning to drug dealers in communities throughout Louisiana that your illegal and destructive actions will not be tolerated.” 

“St. John Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and the DEA conducted an extensive investigation of a group of individuals from St. John Parish that were involved in narcotics trafficking and illegal weapon possession,” stated Sheriff Mike Tregre.  “As Sheriff of St. John Parish I am committed to using all available resources necessary to try to prevent any further loss of life. I want to thank the DEA for their time, assistance, and resources with helping take all of these weapons off the street. It feels good knowing that we probably saved a life with this joint effort and that we as a team are committed to getting more illegal guns off the streets of St. John Parish as other investigations are currently underway.”

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.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that BRADER YELVERTON, age 24, of Thibodaux, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with unauthorized access of a protected computer.

According to court documents, between about 2013 and December 2015, YELVERTON accessed the personal online accounts, including email, educational, social media, and “cloud” storage accounts of at least 49 individuals without their knowledge or authorization.  All of the individuals whose accounts YELVERTON accessed without authorization were individuals he knew.  The vast majority of the victims were females, as well as several of their significant others.

YELVERTON obtained access to an account by using publicly accessible information, or information he knew about the victim, to isolate the password for one of the accounts, usually his/her social media account.  YELVERTON then used the information contained in the social media account to obtain the password to other accounts of the victim.  Once he obtained access to the accounts, YELVERTON changed the passwords so that he could continue to access them. After YELVERTON obtained access to the accounts, he searched through them and obtained personal information of the victims, including, in some cases, sensitive photographs of the victims.

In the case of one victim, YELVERTON viewed not more than 380 pictures stored on her various online accounts.  After saving some of the pictures to his personal computer, YELVERTON uploaded at least two private, sensitive photographs of  the victim that he obtained from her private accounts onto an online anonymous image trading board that provides for state-specific and city-specific fora for individuals to upload, view, download, and trade images.  During the upload process, YELVERTON entitled the images using the first name and last initial of the victim, so that other visitors to the website could readily identify the victim.

If convicted, YELVERTON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for November 26, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite 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.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DR. RAFAEL PRATS, age 62, a resident of Miami, Florida pled guilty yesterday to a twelve-count Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit theft of medical products, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

According to court documents, beginning sometime prior to December 2012, PRATS and others conspired to use Marea Distributors and Logistics, LLC of Louisiana, and Marea Distributors, LLC of Florida to fraudulently re-sell diverted pharmaceuticals.  Working together, the defendants would collect dispensed drugs of known and unknown origin, counterfeit drugs, expired drugs, and drugs not authorized for resale and then fraudulently reintroduce them into the pre-retail, wholesale market for eventual sale under false pretenses to pharmacies and end users.  According to court documents PRATS served as a broker in obtaining the diverted pharmaceuticals from various sources.

Among other things, the defendants would create and scan fraudulent invoices and send them from Marea Distributors in Florida to Marea Distributors & Logistics in Louisiana by email.  In Louisiana, Marea Distributors & Logistics would then send the fraudulent invoices by email from Louisiana to wherever the diverted pharmaceuticals were shipped.  When necessary, Marea Distributors & Logistics in Louisiana would create invoices for the products and email them to customers who were making purchases.   

During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants opened or caused to be opened bank accounts in the names of various entities, including Marea Distributors & Logistics and Marea Distributors.  The defendants used those accounts to deposit the proceeds obtained from the sale of diverted pharmaceuticals and then to further distribute those proceeds to bank accounts controlled by them. 

PRATS faces a possible penalty of up to 15 years in prison for Count 1,  Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Medical Products, and a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person.   For Counts 2 through 11, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, Aiding and Abetting, PRATS faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person.  For Count 12, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, PRATS faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person.  He also faces up to three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee for each count. U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing for December 14. 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Food and Drug Administration, and the Miami Dade Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore R. Carter, III, and David Haller are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LARRY DUPOR, age 44, a resident of Houston, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and one count of attempt to distribute 100 grams or more heroin.

According to court records, law enforcement officers found four packages of heroin weighing one kilogram in total during a traffic stop of a Fiat on Interstate-10 East in Calcasieu Parish.  The driver admitted that she had been paid $1,000 in cash to drive the heroin from LARRY DUPOR in Houston to LEJEUNE 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, and she agreed to assist law enforcement by following through with a delivery of ‘sham’ heroin to HARRIS.  The driver was instructed by DUPOR to deliver three of the four heroin packages to HARRIS, and she proceeded to the car wash in New Orleans East under law enforcement surveillance with three ‘sham’ packages.  There she 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 surveillance agents then entered the scene and detained HARRIS.  Agents obtained a search warrant for the car wash office and recovered an additional 479 grams of heroin hidden in an area where the three packages of ‘sham’ heroin were also found.

HARRIS pled guilty to similar charges two weeks ago, and both DUPOR and HARRIS are now scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo on November 10, 2016.  DUPOR faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years and up to life for the conspiracy charge, and HARRIS faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years due to a prior felony drug conviction.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JACQUELINE RAY, 60, of Biloxi, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with stealing over $1 million from Ochsner Clinic Federal Credit Union in connection with bank larceny during her employment.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced RAY to six months incarceration, two and a half years supervised release, with a special condition of six months of home detention with electronic monitoring after her release from prison.  RAY was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,000,000 to the CUMIS Insurance Society, the entity which insured Ochsner Clinic Credit Union and $452,752.27 to the National Credit Union Association, the entity which covered the uninsured portion of the funds RAY stole.  She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.  The Court waived the fine.

According to the documents filed in court, RAY was employed by Ochsner Clinic Federal Credit Union (OCFCU), as the credit union manager and had been employed at OCFCU for nearly thirty years.  From 2007 to 2013, RAY stole $1.45 million by creating numerous fictitious loans on the books of OCFCU. RAY created approximately 149 fictitious loans.

No loan documentation existed on any of the fictitious loans.  RAY controlled the day to day operation of OCFCU.  These fictitious accounts were all coded in the OCFCU data processing system so that no statement of account would be generated, thus hiding RAY’S fraudulent scheme.

The proceeds from the fictitious loan would be stolen from the OCFCU in the form of a check drawn on the OCFCU and deposited in accounts controlled by RAY, or converted to cash.  RAY also made false deposits into a local bank to make it appear that she had money in accounts she controlled, when she really did not.  RAY would steal cash from these falsely inflated accounts.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Credit Union Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that FREDDIE ROSS, JR., age 38, of New Orleans, who performs under the stage name Big Freedia, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to theft of government funds.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced ROSS to three years’ probation, including 100 hours of unpaid community service.  Additionally, ROSS was ordered to pay $34,849 in restitution to the Housing Authority - New Orleans (HANO) and fined $35,000.

According to court documents, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, a department of the United States, provided federal funds to local public housing authorities to assist low income citizens with private market rental payments, including utility payments, through a tenant-based voucher program known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, or “Section 8” Program.  The Section 8 program was created to subsidize the rents of the very poor, the elderly, and the disabled by allowing families to choose privately owned rental housing and subsidizing the majority of the fair market rent. Program participants paid part of their rents—an amount equal to thirty percent of the household's income—and the federal government directly pays the landlords the remainder. The eligibility for Section 8 benefits and the amount of the voucher subsidy were determined by, among other things, the household income of the applicant and the number of people in the household.  In New Orleans, this amounted to not more than $21,700 per year. 

ROSS first applied for Section 8 benefits in March 2009.  He listed his monthly income as between $100 and $1,000, and he disclosed no additional assets on his application.  As a result of these representations, ROSS was accepted into the program and began receiving approximately $521 per month for his rental of a residence in New Orleans.

Thereafter, ROSS submitted recertification documents to HANO on a yearly basis through 2014.  HANO relied on ROSS’S representations in the documents to determine whether he continued to qualify for Section 8 benefits.  In his yearly recertification forms, ROSS falsely listed his annual income to be as follows: $0 (2011), $14,400 (2012), $12,000, plus a one-time $2,000 gift from his father (2013), and $12,000 (2014).  ROSS also listed his assets to be as follows: $0 (2011), $100 (2012), $165 (2013), $250 (2014).

In fact, ROSS derived considerable income through his entertainment and music businesses, including payments for performing concerts, starring in television programs, royalties, and the sale of merchandise bearing his likeness.  ROSS failed to disclose this income to HANO, as well as the existence of multiple bank accounts under his name and the name of his several corporate entities. ROSS’S statements about the amount of his assets constituted material misrepresentations upon which HANO representatives relied to determine his eligibility to receive Section 8 benefits.  ROSS’S true income, had he reported it accurately, would have disqualified him from receiving Section 8 benefits in each year between 2010 and 2014.  In total, as a result of the false representations ROSS made to HANO, he fraudulently received the benefit of Section 8 funds to rent the residences in New Orleans totaling approximately $34,849.00 between about January 2010 and November 2014.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Housing Authority of New Orleans, as well as Josephine Beninati, CPA, CFE, who was responsible for identifying the true sources and amount of ROSS’S income. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Maria Carboni were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALMA DE JESUS MOJICA HERRERA, age 52, and LEONARDO SERRATO POLANIA, age 42, both residents of Bogota, Colombia, were sentenced today for making false statements on their U.S. Nonimmigrant Online Visa applications.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced both MOJICA HERRERA and SERRATO POLANIA to eleven months incarceration.  Following completion of their sentences, MOJICA HERRERA and SERRATO POLANIA will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and customs Enforcement for removal proceedings 

According to court records, while in Colombia, MOJICA HERRERA and SERRATO POLANIA each completed a U.S. Nonimmigrant Online Visa Application (“Visa Application”) with the U.S. Department of State (“State Department”) and did not answer truthfully questions concerning their travel companions, the persons paying for their trip, and the location of their stay.  These Visa Applications were relied upon by federal agencies of the Executive Branch including by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Orleans and the U.S. State Department.  On September 28, 2015, MOJICA HERRERA and SERRATO POLANIA travelled from Bogota, Columbia and arrived in the United States at the New Orleans International Airport using the VISAs containing materially false statements.  On September 29, 2015, MOJICA HERRERA and SERRATO POLANIA were taken into custody by special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”).

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-HSI,   U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of State in investigating this matter.  Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced TIMOTHY JONES a/k/a “Lucci,” “King Lucci,” “Lucci Loco,” age 26, was sentenced for his role in sex trafficking two minors into the New Orleans area for the purposes of those minors engaging in prostitution.  In February 2016, JONES was convicted by a federal jury on all eight counts with which he was charged, including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking two minor females through the use of force, fraud, and coercion, transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of her engaging in prostitution.

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced JONES to life imprisonment, restitution in the amount of $13,688.00 ($5,046 to minor victim 1 and $8,642.00 to minor victim 2), a special assessment of $800.00, and supervised release after the term of imprisonment.

According to evidence presented at trial, in early December 2013, JONES met and began recruiting Minor Victim 1, a 17-year-old female from Baton Rouge, to work for him in prostitution, performing numerous “dates” per day, based on quotas he set for her.  JONES promised Victim 1 that she would enjoy a better life replete with travel, luxury, and safety by joining “Team Lucci,” JONES’s name for the “stable” of prostitutes he operated.  For approximately three weeks, Minor Victim 1 worked for JONES, before escaping the New Orleans area.  JONES “paid” Minor Victim 1 a total of $10 for her work.  JONES beat Victim 1 for a variety of transgressions, including not being respectful, not earning enough money from prostitution, and trying to leave him.  He also forced Minor Victim 1 to have sex with him as a way to ensure her submission and to “try out” the product he sold.

In early January 2014, JONES and a co-conspirator recruited Minor Victim 2, a sixteen-year-old female, in Memphis and coerced her to work for him in prostitution.  JONES then took Minor Victim 2 to Louisville, Kentucky, to work in prostitution.  Thereafter, JONES transported Minor Victim 2 to New Orleans to work for him in prostitution.  Minor Victim 2 worked for JONES, under his direction and the supervision of his co-conspirator, until February 11, 2014, when a United States Marshals Task Force recovered her and arrested JONES at a hotel in downtown New Orleans.

JONES required Victim 1 and Victim 2 to give him all of the money they earned from engaging in prostitution.  JONES advertised prostitution dates with Victim 1 and Victim 2 using an online classified website and also forced them to solicit prostitution dates on Bourbon Street and on Chef Menteur Highway.  JONES instructed both victims on how much to charge for sex, how to solicit “dates,” and how to avoid detection by law enforcement.  He also instructed them to steal credit cards, wallets, cash, and other valuables from customers. Other females testified at trial that JONES exploited them in a similar manner.

JONES used a variety of means to control his victims, whom he knew were minors.  JONES beat Victim 1 and Victim 2 to punish them for disrespecting him or not earning enough money.  He also slapped and punched them to keep them from leaving him.  Once, after JONES located Minor Victim 2 when she tried to escape Jones’s control, Jones used a ruse to lure her to a hotel room, where he sadistically beat her.  Further, while in front of Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2, JONES brutally beat other females who worked for him as prostitutes as a means of threatening and intimidating his minor victims into complying with his demands.   When Minor Victim 2 said that she could no longer handle the pressure of being alone in a strange city and felt ill, JONES told her that she had to earn him more money—“real” money—before he would let her have medicine or return home.

“Sex trafficking of minors is one of the most reprehensible criminal offenses imaginable,” said U.S. Attorney Polite.  “A life sentence for this defendant sends the strongest message possible:  our community will not tolerate this heinous conduct.  Just as importantly, we are committed to helping the victims to recover from these crimes and move forward with productive lives.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – New Orleans Division and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, with cooperation from the FBI’s Memphis Field Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Jonathan L. Shih were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ELVIRA DUTHU DUPLANTIS, age 51, of Houma, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a  one-count Indictment charging her with Theft of Mail.

U.S. Chief District Judge Kurt Engelhardt sentenced DUPLANTIS to five (5) years’ probation and ordered her to pay $3,200 in restitution.

According to court records, as a result of a complaint from the Postmaster of the

Houma Post Office regarding missing mail, the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“Postal OIG”) initiated an investigation into DUPLANTIS, who was a letter carrier assigned to the Houma Post Office.  The investigation determined that DUPLANTIS stole approximately 113 gift cards, which included Visa debit cards and gift cards for major retail stores and restaurants, with a total value of approximately $3,200.00.           

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, in investigating this matter.  Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. announced that former Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Detective DAWN C. FORET, age 38, of Houma, pled guilty today to a one count Bill of Information for theft of government funds. 

According to the court documents, FORET was charged for improperly overbilling a federally funded law enforcement grant designed to curb underage drinking known as the Juvenile Underage Drinking Enforcement Grant (“JUDE”) for the years 2009 through 2012. The JUDE Grant was funded by the United States Department of Transportation to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, which also administered the grant. After receiving the approval to access the grant funds in October of 2009, the TPSO appointed FORET to administer the grant with regards to recruiting volunteers for the overtime work, determining the operations plan, and then writing up the reports from the evening’s work. In sum, this law enforcement grant paid overtime hours for officers to investigate bars and convenience stores to see if they were illegally providing alcohol to minors.

The focus of the inquiry concerned FORET’s billing of the JUDE grant in the fall of 2010. Starting on November 6, 2010, FORET began including herself in the TPSO police reports/narratives that followed each JUDE operation in a way that suggested that FORET was physically participating in each operation. From that point on, FORET inserted herself into practically every TPSO JUDE grant narrative as being present and she billed for every hour of operation as the other TPSO officers who did the work. In fact, FORET billed for the full time even if the evening’s operation resulted in no summons being issued and the report was essentially a page or two in length.  From November 6, 2010, through the end of the grant on July 18, 2012, TPSO conducted 130 JUDE grant overtime operations and FORET’s name appeared on every single police report except for six occasions.  FORET admitted in the factual basis that she did not in fact physically participate in any of the JUDE grant operations from November 6, 2010 until the grant expired in July of 2012. The total loss to the grant is $14,728.00.

“Detective Foret was sworn to uphold the law,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite.  “Instead, she violated that oath by stealing federal funds intended to reduce underage drinking in our community.  Today’s guilty plea ensures that she is held accountable for her criminal actions.”

FORET faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and $100.00 special assessment.   U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for December 14, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Bill McSherry were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALLAN WENDERLAY DOMINGUEZ age 47, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of removed alien previously convicted of an aggravated felony.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced DOMINGUEZ to 37 months imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100.00 special assessment.  Following completion of his sentence, DOMINGUEZ will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to the Indictment, on or about February 11, 2016, DOMINGUEZ was found in the United States after having been officially deported following a conviction for theft of goods. He was ordered removed and deported on or about June 24, 2011, and again on September 12, 2012.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Irene González was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GIORDIO COSENZA, age 28, of Gretna, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with distributing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.

If convicted, COSENZA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than twenty years imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine per count.  He can also be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TERRELL TATE, age 26, GEREME TATE, age 24, and MICHAEL TATE, age 30, three brothers from New Orleans, were indicted on today a federal grand jury with being felons in possession of firearms. 

According to the Indictment, the TATE brothers, all of whom had been previously convicted of felonies in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, possessed a Glock 19C semiautomatic pistol, and a Taurus PT111 9mm pistol on July 4, 2016. 

If convicted, each defendant 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 Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih and Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley, of the Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Gang Section, are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JESSICA HENDERSON BERTHELOT, age 28, of Ponchatoula, pled guilty today to Theft of Mail.

According to court records, the investigation was initiated in September 2015, by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service after determining that BERTHELOT was stealing mail from residential mailboxes on the Northshore.    Postal inspectors determined BERTHELOT stole approximately 1,428 items of mail.  

BERTHELOT faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.   U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing on November 17, 2016. 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DARREN SHARPER, age 40, formerly of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute Alprazolam, Diazepam and Zolpidem, with intent to commit rape and two counts of distributing these substances with intent to commit rape.

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced SHARPER to 220 months of incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $20,000 fine. 

SHARPER has previously pled guilty to similar charges in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.  He has also entered into a conditional plea in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.  According to court records, SHARPER admitted that he and others distributed controlled substances to unsuspecting women and then had sexual relations with them while they were incapacitated.  SHARPER also admitted that he conspired with other persons in committing these offenses. 

Co-defendants Brandon Licciardi and Erik Nunez, who both pled guilty last month, are scheduled for sentencing on October 13, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  U.S. Attorney Polite also thanked the victims for their courage and willingness to come forward.  Assistant United States Attorneys Michael E. McMahon, Theodore Carter, and Brandon Long were in charge of the prosecution.   

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CRAIG QUINTAL, age 41, of River Ridge, pled guilty today to crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

According to court records, beginning at an unknown time to on or about July 15, 2015, QUINTAL knowingly accessed child pornography with the intent to view images depicting the sexual victimization of minors.  QUINTAL accessed visual depictions of minors under the age of twelve years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

Sentencing by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle is scheduled for November 16, 2016.   QUINTAL faces a penalty of up to twenty years imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, High Tech Crime Unit in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KENNETH MIXON, age 33, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute heroin.  According to court documents, between July 2014 and July 2015, MIXON conspired with co-defendants LEROY SMITH and JAMIE JONES to distribute heroin in the New Orleans area.  SMITH and JONES have both pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing on November 2, 2016 and September 2, 2016, respectively.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced MIXON to 34 months of incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced that GRAEGG L. HOLMES, age 43, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with wire fraud related to the 2010 British Petroleum Oil Spill. According to court documents, HOLMES admitted that he filed a fraudulent application for relief relating to the April 20, 2010 explosion and fire, which occurred on the Deepwater Horizon, an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico where BP had been drilling a well.  In reality, HOLMES admitted that he worked at Abide Home Care from approximately 2001 through 2014.  HOLMES used false documentation related to a non-existent catering business that he claimed lost money because of the Deepwater Horizon Disaster. The loss from the fraudulent claims HOLMES submitted and received totals $33,900.

On August 4, 2016, HOLMES was ordered detained pending trial by U.S. Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld after his arrest for home invasion in Orleans Parish. Following his guilty plea, HOLMES remains detained and faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss caused by the offense, forfeiture, and restitution to the GCCF.  U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for December 14, 2016.

This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill.  If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at disaster@leo.gov or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan and Hayden Brockett were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that VIDAL OROSCO-BARRIOS, age 29, pled guilty today to a four-count Indictment charging him with transferring false Social Security Cards in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(2).

According court records, OROSCO-BARRIOS sold counterfeit Social Security Cards to confidential informants working with the Department of Homeland Security on four separate occasions. 

OROSCO-BARRIOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen 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 Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing on

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.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced that MICHEGEL BUTLER, age 41, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a conspiracy to defraud the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (“GCCF”) in the aftermath of the BP oil spill.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced BUTLER to 12 months and one day incarceration and ordered restitution in the amount of $65,300, to be paid jointly and severally with his co-defendant.

According to court documents, beginning in or about September 2010, BUTLER and his co-defendant, recruited claimants, requested their personal information and submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent GCCF claim forms generated online and transmitted to the GCCF.  The claim forms falsely stated that the claimants worked as non-owner captain/deckhands on a shrimp boat in Venice, Louisiana and suffered economic loss.  Based on the fraudulent documentation, the GCCF issued approximately $65,300 to undeserving individuals.  BUTLER and his co-defendant shared in the claims proceeds.

This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill.  If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at disaster@leo.gov, or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA  70821-4909.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans was in charge of this prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CHRISTIE ROBINSON, 41, of Laplace, who previously pled guilty to a four-count Indictment charging her with false statements on tax returns.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced ROBINSON to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution of $104,481to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to court documents,  ROBINSON, is the owner and operator of a tax return preparation business in Kenner called CRR Services, LLC.  ROBINSON received fees charged for the preparation of individuals' tax returns.  ROBINSON failed to include all of the substantial fees she received for income tax return preparation.  In 2007, she declared $80,000 in fees and failed to disclose $195,000; in 2009, she disclosed $100,000 but failed to include an extra $28,000; in 2010, she declared $76,500 but failed to declare $82,000; and, in 2011 she declared $175,000 but excluded $8,000.  The total for the four years 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 totals over $300,000. 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today HARRY J. MOREL, JR., age 73, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to obstruction of justice in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(d)(1).

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced MOREL to 3 years imprisonment, a $20,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

According to court records, MOREL served as the elected prosecutor of St. Charles Parish, Louisiana from on or about January 1, 1979 until May 31, 2012. Thereafter, he became an Assistant District Attorney in the Office of the District Attorney for St. Charles Parish and remained in that position until January 11, 2013.  MOREL resided in, and his office was located in, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

As District Attorney and as an Assistant District Attorney for St. Charles Parish, MOREL was responsible for prosecuting individuals charged with criminal and traffic offenses against the State of Louisiana.  As the District Attorney, MOREL had the authority and discretion to, among other things, make bail recommendations, make sentence recommendations and bring dismiss, forego or reduce charges.

MOREL freely admitted that he is guilty of Obstruction of Justice in that he harassed Individual "A" and attempted to prevent and dissuade Individual "A" from attending or testifying in an official proceeding, i.e., the federal grand jury, by telling Individual "A" to "get rid of” and to "destroy" the evidence of a meeting they had and to deny the inappropriate nature of the meeting to law enforcement officials. Furthermore, based on Individual "A"'s representations,  MOREL believed there would be a federal Grand Jury investigation, and as a result asked her to conceal information that would have likely led to her being a witness before that body.

MOREL also admitted that on other occasions, between 2007 and 2009, he solicited sex from other individuals who were defendants or who had family members who were defendants in the St. Charles Parish criminal justice system.   While soliciting sex from these individuals, MOREL likewise used the office of the District Attorney to provide benefits to these other individuals, including falsifying community service reports.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.   Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Baehr and Mark Miller were in charge of the prosecution. 

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANISHA GALLIN, age 27, of Riverdale, Georgia, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to theft of mail. 

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced GALLIN to 2 year of probation and $60 in victim restitution.

According to Court records, on or about July 18, 2014, GALLIN, a United States Postal carrier, removed at least $60 in cash from greeting cards while on her postal route.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CHAD LANDRY, age 45, of Houma, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, and unlawfully possessing a firearm in furtherance of his methamphetamine conspiracy. 

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced LANDRY to 120 months of incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, in 2013 and 2014, LANDRY was receiving quantities of methamphetamine in the mail from his Houston-based drug suppliers.  Over the course of two years, the suppliers sent LANDRY approximately 25 packages via Fed Ex to LANDRY’s home in Houma.  LANDRY repackaged and sold methamphetamine to friends and acquaintances in the Houma area, as well as personally used some of the methamphetamine.  At the time of his arrest on or about August 13, 2014, LANDRY was in possession of approximately 7 grams of methamphetamine, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, and a Springfield XP .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CHAD LANDRY, age 45, of Houma, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, and unlawfully possessing a firearm in furtherance of his methamphetamine conspiracy. 

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced LANDRY to 120 months of incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, in 2013 and 2014, LANDRY was receiving quantities of methamphetamine in the mail from his Houston-based drug suppliers.  Over the course of two years, the suppliers sent LANDRY approximately 25 packages via Fed Ex to LANDRY’s home in Houma.  LANDRY repackaged and sold methamphetamine to friends and acquaintances in the Houma area, as well as personally used some of the methamphetamine.  At the time of his arrest on or about August 13, 2014, LANDRY was in possession of approximately 7 grams of methamphetamine, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, and a Springfield XP .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TRAVIS CARTER, age 37, of Marrero, was charged yesterday in a one-count Indictment with bank robbery.

According to the Indictment, CARTER robbed the Whitney Bank located in Marrero, Louisiana on July 22, 2016.

If convicted, CARTER 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. 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 FBI agents in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JULIO RAYMUNDO-SANTOS, age 41, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment that charged him with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

U.S. District Judge Nannette Brown sentenced RAYMUNDO-SANTOS to time served and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100.  RAYMUNDO-SANTOS will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings

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 LEJEUNE HARRIS, age 43, of New Orleans, pled guilty today 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.

According to court records, law enforcement officers found four packages of heroin weighing one kilogram in total during a traffic stop of a Fiat on Interstate-10 East in Calcasieu Parish.  The driver admitted that she had been paid $1,000 in cash to drive the heroin from LARRY DUPOR in Houston 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, and she agreed to assist law enforcement by following through with a delivery of ‘sham’ heroin to HARRIS.  The driver was instructed by DUPOR to deliver three of the four heroin packages to HARRIS, and she proceeded to the car wash in New Orleans East under law enforcement surveillance with three ‘sham’ packages.  There she 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 surveillance agents then entered the scene and detained HARRIS.  Agents obtained a search warrant for the car wash office and recovered an additional 479 grams of heroin in a hidden area where the three packages of ‘sham’ heroin were also found.

HARRIS faces a term of imprisonment of at least 20 years and up to life for the conspiracy charge, due in part to a prior felony drug conviction. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing on November 10, 2016.   DUPOR is scheduled for re-arraignment before Judge Milazzo on August 25, 2016. 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann is in charge of the prosecution.

WASHINGTON – The owner of a New Orleans company that defrauded Medicare of more than $3.3 million was sentenced today to 80 months in prison for directing the scheme.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite 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 Mike Fields of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office made the announcement.

Tracy Richardson Brown, 46, of New Orleans, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval Jr. of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who also ordered Brown to pay $2,004,391.63 in restitution.

On April 30, 2016, Brown, who owned and operated medical equipment supply company Psalms 23 DME LLC (Psalms), was convicted on 18 counts of health care fraud, conspiracy and related charges.  Evidence introduced at the five-day trial showed that Brown paid patient recruiters for the names and billing information of Medicare beneficiaries in and around New Orleans.  The evidence that was presented also showed that Brown used this information to cause Psalms to bill Medicare for power wheelchairs, accessories and various knee, elbow and back braces supposedly provided to these beneficiaries.  However, according to the evidence presented at trial, the vast majority of these patients did not need, and often did not receive or even want, this equipment.  The evidence at trial demonstrated that Brown caused Psalms to bill Medicare for more than $3.3 million in claims, a vast percentage of which were fraudulent, and Medicare paid Psalms approximately $2 million on these claims.  At her sentencing, Judge Duval stated that the sentence was based, in part, upon Brown’s use of elderly people to commit a “reprehensible crime.”

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.  Fraud Section Trial Attorney William Kanellis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrice Sullivan of the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans prosecuted the case.

The owner of a New Orleans company that defrauded Medicare of more than $3.3 million was sentenced today to 80 months in prison for directing the scheme.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite 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 made the announcement.

Tracy Richardson Brown, 46, of New Orleans, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval Jr. of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who also ordered Brown to pay $2,004,391.63 in restitution.

On April 30, 2016, Brown, who owned and operated medical equipment supply company Psalms 23 DME LLC (Psalms), was convicted on 18 counts of health care fraud, conspiracy and related charges.  Evidence introduced at the five-day trial showed that Brown paid patient recruiters for the names and billing information of Medicare beneficiaries in and around New Orleans.  The evidence that was presented also showed that Brown used this information to cause Psalms to bill Medicare for power wheelchairs, accessories and various knee, elbow and back braces supposedly provided to these beneficiaries.  However, according to the evidence presented at trial, the vast majority of these patients did not need, and often did not receive or even want, this equipment.  The evidence at trial demonstrated that Brown caused Psalms to bill Medicare for more than $3.3 million in claims, a vast percentage of which were fraudulent, and Medicare paid Psalms approximately $2 million on these claims.  At her sentencing, Judge Duval stated that the sentence was based, in part, upon Brown’s use of elderly people to commit a “reprehensible crime.”

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.  Fraud Section Trial Attorney William Kanellis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrice Sullivan of the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans prosecuted the case.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that FAUSTINO JUAREZ-CASTILLO, age 31, was charged today in a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the Indictment, JUAREZ-CASTILLO reentered the United States after he was previously deported on October 28, 2011.  If convicted, JUAREZ-CASTILLO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, 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 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 EDUARDO URBINA-JUAREZ, age 28, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment that charged him with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

U.S. District Judge Nannette Brown sentenced URBINA-JUAREZ to serve six months imprisonment and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100.  Following the completion of his sentence, URBINA-JUAREZ will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings

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 DANIEL NOLAN DEVOR, age 41, of Brunswick, Georgia, was sentenced today for conspiracy to produce child pornography

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced DEVOR to 180 months imprisonment and supervised release for fifteen years after his release.  DEVOR will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

According to court documents, in November 2013, DEVOR was arrested by Special Agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), after they determined that DEVOR was responsible for conspiring with Abita Springs resident Jonathan Johnson and others to create and post videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet.   DEVOR has been in custody since his arrest.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter.  Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, was in charge of the prosecution.  

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LEROY SMITH, age 32, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to 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.  SMITH also pled guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug-trafficking activities. 

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 co-conspirators 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 $3000 in United States currency, and multiple loaded firearms. 

SMITH is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum life sentence for the drug conspiracy charge and a mandatory sentence of at least five years in prison for the firearm charge.  U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for November 2, 2016.

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 Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Office, and Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and Nicholas D. Moses are in charge of the prosecution.   

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LESLIE ANNETTE PECK, age 34, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. 

PECK faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a maximum term of 40 years, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.  U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for November 17, 2016. 

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that YAIR ROCHEZ-MARTINEZ, age 37, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to court documents, ROCHEZ-MARTINEZ was previously removed from the United States on December 27, 2013. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on May 22, 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.

ROCHEZ-MARTINEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, as well as a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing for September 22, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. 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 REHER MORRIS, age 28, of Houma, was indicted today for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

According to today’s Indictment, beginning at an unknown time to on or about December 8, 2015, MORRIS knowingly downloaded and received images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors. 

If convicted, MORRIS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years and a maximum sentence of up to twenty years imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.   For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations’ Cyber Crime Unit in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WALLACE STOGNER, age 61, of Bogalusa; DANIELLE MEISNER, age 31, of Mandeville; and KAREN SMITH, age 57, of Slidell,  pled guilty today to charges relating to illegal distribution of oxycodone pills.  Oxycodone is a prescription-only Schedule II controlled substance and a highly addictive and abused opioid drug.

STOGNER pled guilty to two counts of illegal distribution of oxycodone, as charged in an Indictment filed last year, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.  MEISNER and SMITH each pled guilty to a Superseding Bill of Information charging conspiracy to obtain controlled substances through misrepresentation and subterfuge, a crime which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 4 years.  All three defendants are scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt on November 9, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LONDON CARTER, age 24, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, specifically a bank robbery.

According to court documents, CARTER guarded the door of a Capital One Bank in Metairie during a robbery on August 26, 2011, and pointed a semi-automatic pistol at various customers.

CARTER faces a mandatory minimum of 7 years imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment, along with a $250,000 fine and up to 5 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for December 7, 2016. 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, Maria Carboni and Marquest Meeks were in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALFRED FLINT, JR., age 59, of Abita Springs, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for possession with intent to distribute 27 kilograms of marijuana.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced FLINT to 3 years of probation and a $100 special assessment fee. 

According to court documents, on April 27, 2015, agents from Homeland Security Investigations received information that 2 packages containing 27 kilograms of marijuana were being sent to Abita Springs, Louisiana from Memphis, Tennessee. The packages were originally sent from Mexico and were addressed to Flint Plastering, Inc. On April 29, 2015, an undercover agent made a controlled delivery to a residence owned by FLINT. The agents then served a search warrant and recovered the marijuana as the packages were being opened by another individual in his garage. FLINT stated that he had allowed the other individual to use his address in order to receive the marijuana. FLINT stated that he was paid $500 for each package he received. 

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Louisiana State Police, and St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KEVIN CALIX-TORRES, age 26, 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 Jay C. Zainey sentenced CALIX to time served, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.  CALIX will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to court documents, on July 7, 2016, CALIX was found in the United States after having been previously deported from the United States on June 2, 2008.

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that three Cuban nationals, all residing in Florida, pled guilty today to one count each of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Two other defendants have already pled guilty in the case, which charged six defendants in total.

JULIET ESTRADA PEREZ, LUIS RIVERA GARCIA, and JESUS ENRIQUE GONZALES TORRES pled guilty to conspiring among themselves and with others to possessing 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.  JULIET ESTRADA PEREZ, LUIS RIVERA GARCIA, and JESUS ENRIQUE GONZALES TORRES were arrested in the Southern District of Florida in April 2016 on bond violations, after they were being found in the Florida Strait between Florida and Cuba by the United States Coast Guard, and have been detained since then as flight risks.

On the conspiracy charge, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of not more than five years of imprisonment.  Each aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years of imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other prison sentence. The defendants further face terms of supervised release, fines, and restitution obligations upon conviction.

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ROGER AGUIRRE-SAGASTUME, age 29, a native of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced AGUIRRE-SAGASTUME to six months imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Following completion of his sentence, AGUIRRE-SAGASTUME will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to court documents, on March 17, 2016, AGUIRRE-SAGASTUME was found illegally present in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on August 4, 2009.  

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 was in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SHEILA HOPKINS, age 63, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to receive illegal kickbacks.

On March 12, 2015, HOPKINS was indicted along with 19 other defendants in a 26-count Indictment charging approximately $30,052,295 in Medicare fraud and the BP fraud.

HOPKINS was a Registered Nurse (RN) at Abide Home Care Services, a home health company operated by owner Lisa Crinel. HOPKINS and other nurses, aides, recruiters and marketers were paid about $150 - $300 for each referral of a Medicare beneficiary to Abide. Abide then fraudulently billed Medicare for medically unnecessary home health services. HOPKINS admitted to receiving a $400 payment for her referral of a Medicare beneficiary to Abide.

HOPKINS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for February 1, 2017.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Sharan Lieberman, Hayden Brockett and Andre Lagarde are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALBERTO GONZALEZ-MORALES, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to possession of a handgun by a person illegally present in the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).

According to the court documents, on or about March 15, 2016, GONZALEZ-MORALES, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a firearm. 

GONZALEZ-MORALES 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 Susie Morgan set sentencing for November 2, 2016.                                  

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

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JONATHAN RAMOS-VASQUEZ, age 27, a native of Honduras,  pled guilty today to possession of a handgun by a person illegally present in the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).

According to court documents, on March 21, 2015, deputies from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office were given information that RAMOS was located at an address in Lafourche Parish.  They were given permission to enter the residence and encountered RAMOS in his bedroom. Deputies spotted an Astra model A70, 9mm semi-automatic handgun next to RAMOS on his bed. The handgun had travelled in interstate commerce as it had been manufactured in Spain.  RAMOS ultimately admitted that he was in the country illegally and that the handgun belonged to him.  RAMOS had previously been deported from the United States on October 26, 2011, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

RAMOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, as well as a fine of $250,000. United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for November 2, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and 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 the unsealing of a criminal complaint against SHANNON CHRISTOPHER CEASAR, age 43, a physician who practices in Metairie and resides in New Orleans.  On Friday, July 22, 2016, CEASAR was arrested on charges of drug distribution and threatening to murder law enforcement agents.  According to court records, CEASAR illegally dispensed and conspired with others to illegally dispense controlled substances, including Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.  In addition, based on recorded telephone calls secured by law enforcement, CEASAR was charged with threatening to assault and/or murder federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate, or interfere with such law enforcement officers while engaged in the performance of official duties, or with the intent to retaliate against such law enforcement on account of the performance of official duties. 

Some of the threats made against law enforcement officers and the medical board include:

“God help them, I swear to god…I have a f*$&ing arsenal in there enough to supply a small militia, you know I collect guns, I swear to god if they come in there with a warrant I’m going to kill every single one of those sons of bitches.”

“I am very serious…they won’t even be able to have an open casket funeral.  There will be nothing left above the adam’s apple.”

“And I’m not sure if the time comes if I’m going to do it right there in the clinic or if I’m going to somehow break into the DEA office in that building by the lake and just f*$&ing blow the place up but somehow a vast majority of the DEA agents in this area will lose their lives if they f*$& with me.”

“Same thing goes for the medical board, that’ll be even sweeter…they are downtown.”

“…New Orleans will be all over the national news again because of me.”

“What I’ll do is make Baton Rouge look like a f*$&ing kindergarten.”

CEASAR made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Daniel E. Knowles, III on Friday, July 22.  At a detention hearing held today before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Karen Wells Roby, CEASAR was ordered detained.

“As alleged, rather than doing no harm as a physician, Shannon Ceasar illegally dispensed Oxycodone into a community struggling with an epidemic of opioid addiction,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite.  “Then, when the governing medical board and law enforcement dared to challenge his criminality, Ceasar threatened to kill them.  This level of disregard for human life, particularly from a physician, is absolutely despicable.”

If convicted of the charges in the criminal complaint, CEASAR will face a maximum of not more than 20 years in prison on the drug charges, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 846, and not more than 10 years in prison for threatening to murder a federal agent, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 115(a)(1)(B).  CEASAR will also be subject to a fine of not more than $250,000 and a term of supervised release for three years, following any term of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services OIG in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and Myles Ranier are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KEVIN RICHARD, age 26, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in mail fraud for his role in submitting a fraudulent application for disaster assistance money in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

According to court documents, 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 offered multiple types of claims related to the Deepwater Horizon incident for which it would issue payment.  One of the types of claims offered by the GCCF was a “Quick Payment Final Claim,” which provided that a claimant who had received a prior EAP or Interim Payment from GCCF could receive, without further documentation of losses caused by the BP oil spill, a one-time final payment of $5,000 for individuals and $25,000 for businesses.  Claimants seeking a Quick Payment were required to submit with their claim form a “Release and Covenant Not to Sue.”  To be eligible to receive funds via a Quick Payment Final Claim, an applicant had to previously submit a successful (i.e., paid) initial claim containing proof of costs, damages, and other losses incurred as a result of the oil discharges due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. 

On November 3, 2010, RICHARD applied for disaster assistance funds, representing that he worked as a cook for New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc. at the time of the oil spill.  In fact, RICHARD was not employed by New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc. at all.  As a result of this, and other, fraudulent representations, the GCCF sent a check in the amount of $21,000.00 to RICHARD, which he cashed at a Whitney National Bank branch in New Orleans.  Subsequently, on January 3, 2011, RICHARD completed, signed, and mailed to the GCCF a Quick Payment Final Claim Form seeking an additional payment of $5,000, which the GCCF issued on January 14, 2011.  RICHARD cashed this check on January 18, 2011. 

RICHARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than twenty years, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for October 27, 2016.  RICHARD was remanded to the custody of U.S. Marshals following a recent bond revocation.

This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill.  If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at disaster@leo.gov or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

United States Attorney Polite 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.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DARION TINSON, age 34, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today to two counts of an Indictment charging violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.

According to court documents, during a search of a residence where TINSON was living, agents located approximately two ounces of heroin in a bedroom, as well as a stolen Taurus .45 semi-automatic pistol in close proximity to the suspected heroin.  Additionally, agents seized a scale, suspected marijuana, and approximately $2,000.00 in U.S. currency in the nightstand of the master bedroom.  TINSON admitted that the heroin and gun were his during post arrest interviews.  TINSON pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and possession a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. 

TINSON faces up to 20 years in prison on the drug trafficking charge, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  The gun charge carries a mandatory minimum additional 5 years in prison that must run consecutive to any other sentence.  U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for October 26, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.