Middle District of Louisiana

Daniel Davis, 41, a former Major at Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) in Angola, Louisiana, was found guilty by a jury today in federal court for beating an inmate who was handcuffed, shackled, and not resisting.  In a previous trial in January, Major Davis was convicted of conspiring with other officers to cover up the beating by devising a false cover story, submitting false reports documenting that cover story, tampering with witnesses, and lying under oath.  Four other officers—former Captains James Savoy, John Sanders, and Scotty Kennedy, and former Sergeant Willie Thomas—have all previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the beating and cover up.  At Davis’s trial, Captains Sanders and Kennedy testified for the government and described the abuse and the extensive cover up.

After hearing testimony over the course of three days, the jury convicted Davis of willfully depriving the inmate of his right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.  The evidence showed that Davis initiated the beating by yanking the inmate’s leg chains, causing the inmate to fall face-first onto the concrete breezeway. At that point, Davis and the other officers punched, kicked, and stomped on the inmate, leaving the inmate with a bloody gash under his eye, a dislocated shoulder, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. 

“Mr. Davis abused the justice system by beating an inmate, writing false reports, and using his influence and power as a corrections officer to encourage others to lie,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to prosecute correctional officers who violate federal criminal law.”

“Our office is committed to protecting the civil rights of all citizens and ensuring that government employees in positions of authority don’t abuse that authority,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin. “I want to thank the  Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, the  FBI, and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General for their work on this matter. “

"Charged with protecting the civil rights of others, to include those in custody, is a responsibility the FBI takes very seriously,” said Eric J. Rommal, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.  “Law enforcement officers and correctional officers acting under the color of law must ensure a person's civil rights are not violated. The jury's decision today reinforces the FBI's commitment that civil rights and color of law violations will not be tolerated.”

“Corrections officers are given great authority and power in our system because public safety depends on them doing their jobs well,” said Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street. “When those corrections officers commit crimes by choosing to abuse their power, as defendant Davis did in this case, they must be held accountable, or public trust in the system suffers.  The jury’s guilty verdict should send a clear message that we have zero tolerance for it and will continue to aggressively pursue these cases whenever and wherever they may arise. I wish to thank the FBI, United States Attorney Brandon Fremin and the prosecutors from the DOJ Civil Rights Division for their outstanding work on this case.”

No date has been set for Davis’s sentencing. He faces a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment on the conspiracy and perjury counts, 10 years of imprisonment on the excessive force count, and 20 years of imprisonment on each of the remaining obstruction counts.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Baton Rouge Resident Agency Office and the Louisiana Office of the State Inspector General. The case was tried by Trial Attorneys Christopher J. Perras and Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick A. Menner, Jr., of the Middle District of Louisiana.

A federal grand jury recently returned a five-count indictment charging DONOVAN J. BARKER, age 59, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with aiding and abetting a conspiracy to distribute tramadol and carisoprodol, international money laundering, unlawful money transmitting, and possession of tramadol.  On October 25, 2018, BARKER made his initial appearance in court and pled not guilty to the pending charges.

According to the indictment, BARKER owned and operated several businesses, including Quantum Information Technologies, Caring Partners 1, LLC, Don Western Sky, LLC, Life Positive Services, LLC, and Healthy Life 1, LLC.  The indictment alleges that although BARKER represented that his businesses sold and distributed green tea extracts and herbal supplements, he was actually working with others to import Schedule IV controlled substances into the United States, to re-package and distribute the controlled substances to individuals within the United States who had purchased the substances online, to accept payments from the individual buyers, and to transmit funds from the sales to others operating outside the United States.  In addition to charging BARKER with aiding and abetting a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, the indictment charges BARKER with engaging in international financial transactions to promote the conspiracy, by wiring funds from his business bank accounts in Baton Rouge to India. 

The indictment also charges BARKER with illegally operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.  According to the indictment, from October 2012 through February 2016, BARKER received more than $4.6 million in payments—including payments by money order, personal check, and credit card —from individuals all across the United States who had purchased controlled substances and other substances over the internet and who directed their payments to BARKER.  As BARKER received the funds, he wired the majority of the funds out to other individuals and businesses, including, on more than two hundred (200) different occasions, to foreign bank accounts in the Philippines, India, China, and Canada.  Through this pattern of activity, according to the indictment, BARKER was operating a money transmitting business without an appropriate state license and without complying with the applicable federal registration requirements. 

Finally, the indictment alleges that on May 24, 2016, BARKER knowingly and intentionally possessed tramadol, a controlled substance, in violation of federal law.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “This indictment demonstrates the lengths to which international drug traffickers will go to deliver drugs and the efforts my office will make to stop them. We are committed to eliminating the international financial network used by drug dealers to bring drugs to our country and launder their illegal proceeds. I want to thank our prosecutors and our federal, state, and local partners for their extraordinary efforts in this case.”

“The Special Agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation are an integral part of drug investigations that involve the laundering of money through sophisticated means such as those implemented by Donovan Barker,” stated Thomas J. Holloman, III, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation.  “More and more often individuals are using the internet and access to international banks to keep their misdeeds hidden from the eyes of law enforcement.  However, the dissection of international money laundering schemes is an area of expertise in which IRS- CI ‎ excels.  It is our hope that Barker’s drug distribution and money laundering conspiracy was thwarted by his indictment, and now we will continue working to ensure that Barker receives justice for what we believe are his illegal actions.”

“The DEA is committed to arresting and bringing to justice those who divert and traffic prescription drugs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Arnett.  “Opiate abuse is a major problem in the Baton Rouge area and throughout the nation.  The diversion of prescription pain killers contributes to the widespread abuse of opiates, which is devastating our communities.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in this area and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue anyone that illicitly distributes these drugs.” 

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens, who serves as a Deputy Criminal Chief within the Criminal Division.  The investigation received valuable assistance from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemine Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, and the Louisiana State Police.

NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury.  The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office and the local Office of the FBI, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters, are prepared to receive and review allegations of election fraud and voting rights abuses related to the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election.

The Justice Department’s Election Day Program seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, submission of fraudulent votes, and voting for another person against his wishes or without his input.  The law contains special protection for the rights of voters.  Voters have a right to cast their own votes or to be assisted by a person of their choice.  Additionally, voters have a right to vote free from acts of intimidation or harassment.  For example, actions designed to intimidate or interrupt voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law. 

To report suspected election fraud or interference with the right to vote, members of the public can contact the United States Attorney’s Office at 225-389-0443 or, during polling hours on Election Day, at 225-955-8283.  Members of the public can also make such reports to the FBI at 225-291-5159.  Additionally, complaints regarding possible violations of voting rights laws can be made directly to the Justice Department’s Voting Section by phone to 800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, by fax to 202-307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov, or on the Internet at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index/php.

United States Attorney Fremin said, “Deeply embedded in our identity as Americans is the bedrock principle that our citizens must be free to exercise the right to vote without fear of interference and to have that vote counted without being compromised.  The DOJ and this Office will work tirelessly to protect those principles and to protect our citizens’ voting rights to ensure our process is free from election fraud.  Anyone with specific information about fraud, discrimination, or other interference with the integrity of our election process should immediately make that information available to my Office, the FBI or the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ.”

A former correctional officer at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of beating a handcuffed and shackled inmate, and conspiring with other officers to cover up their misconduct by falsifying official reports and lying to investigators.  Two other correctional officers, Eric Norwood and Charles Philson, have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the assault of the inmate.

Today’s indictment accuses Adrian Almodovar of federal civil rights, conspiracy, and obstruction violations. According to the indictment, Almodovar and other members of the tactical team assaulted an inmate during the course of a cell extraction, during transportation to the medical unit, and inside the medical unit. The inmate was handcuffed and shackled during the course of the assaults.

It is alleged that the defendants then drafted false reports in which they intentionally omitted that they used force on the inmate. Days after the assault, the defendants met with another officer at the a local restaurant in which they agreed that, if questioned about the assault by investigators, they would stick to the false story they wrote in their reports and claim that they did not use unlawful force.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Division of the FBI and the Office of Louisiana Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher J. Perras and Zachary Dembo of the Department’s Civil Rights Division.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced SALVADOR JOSEPH RUSSO, III, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 16 months in federal prison following his convictions for securities fraud (insider trading) and conspiracy to commit securities fraud.  The Court also sentenced RUSSO to 1 year of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

In May of this year, a jury found RUSSO and his co-defendants guilty as charged in connection with an insider trading scheme related to the 2012 acquisition of the Shaw Group (“Shaw”) by Chicago Bridge and Iron Company (“CB&I”).  According to evidence presented at trial, in mid-2012, Shaw was considering a potential merger opportunity.  At the time, Kelly Liu was a Shaw employee working in the Financial Planning and Analysis Department.  In July 2012, Shaw and CB&I came to an agreement on an offer for CB&I to buy Shaw.  This merger between the two companies was publicly announced on July 30, 2012 (“the public announcement”).  As a result of the public announcement, Shaw’s stock price rose by around 55 percent.

            At the time of the public announcement, RUSSO, a car salesman in Baton Rouge, had been Liu’s boyfriend for several years.

The evidence at trial established that, prior to the public announcement and through her job at Shaw, Liu had obtained inside information that Shaw was going to be acquired by another company and had passed the inside information to Victory Ho, through another individual, and to RUSSO, for their use in trading Shaw stock and options.  Thereafter, Victory Ho and RUSSO purchased Shaw stock and options before the public announcement.  Through his timely $5,000 purchase of Shaw stock in a family member’s account, RUSSO secured a profit of approximately $4,000.

During the sentencing hearing, the Court found that RUSSO had obstructed justice through his testimony at the trial.

United States Attorney Fremin stated, “The manipulation of our securities market undermines those honest investors who take great care to play by the rules when investing their hard earned income.  This sentence should send a clear message to anyone who uses insider trading information that this type of behavior will not be tolerated by my office.  I am grateful for the tireless efforts of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners from the FBI, Secret Service, and IRS who worked diligently on this important matter.” 

Co-defendant Victory Ho, a Morgan City businessman and associate of RUSSO, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison last week following his convictions in the same scheme.  Victory Ho was also ordered to forfeit over $300,000 and to pay a $15,000 fine.

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Baton Rouge offices of the FBI, Secret Service, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Dippel and Patricia Jones.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that on October 24, 2018, U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced VICTORY HO, age 39, of Morgan City, Louisiana, to 32 months in federal prison following his convictions for securities fraud (insider trading) and conspiracy to commit securities fraud.  The Court further sentenced HO to 2 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  HO was also ordered to forfeit over $300,000 and to pay a $15,000 fine.

Following a three week trial in May of this year, a jury found HO and his co-defendants guilty as charged in connection with an insider trading scheme related to the 2012 acquisition of the Shaw Group (“Shaw”) by Chicago Bridge and Iron Company (“CB&I”).  According to evidence presented at trial, in mid-2012, Shaw was considering a potential merger opportunity.  At the time, Kelly Liu was a Shaw employee working in the Financial Planning and Analysis Department.  In July 2012, Shaw and CB&I came to an agreement on an offer for CB&I to buy Shaw.  This merger between the two companies was publicly announced on July 30, 2012 (“the public announcement”).  As a result of the public announcement, Shaw’s stock price rose by around 55 percent.

The evidence at trial established that, prior to the public announcement and through her job at Shaw, Liu had obtained inside information that Shaw was going to be acquired by another company and had passed the inside information to HO, through another individual, and to Salvador Russo, III (“Russo”), for their use in trading Shaw stock and options.  Thereafter, HO and Russo purchased Shaw stock and options before the public announcement.  HO sold his Shaw options after the public announcement had caused Shaw’s stock price to rise and reaped almost $300,000 from his illegal insider trading.

During the sentencing hearing, the Court found that HO had obstructed justice through his testimony at the trial.

United States Attorney Fremin stated, “This multi-agency investigation and the resulting sentence should send a strong message to insiders and potential tippees that insider trading will not be tolerated and may very well result in a significant federal prison sentence.  This type of crime, which threatens the integrity of financial markets where millions of citizens invest their money, will be aggressively pursued by federal agents and prosecutors across our country.  I truly appreciate the efforts of the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, and the prosecutors and staff within this office, who worked tirelessly to uncover, investigate, and bring this case to trial.  I also want to thank the Securities and Exchange Commission for their efforts and for providing one of their financial economist to testify at trial.” 

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Eric J. Rommal stated, "The nation's economy is increasingly dependent on the success and integrity of the securities and commodities markets. White collar crimes like securities market violations cause significant losses each year to the U.S. market.  Today, the first of three defendants convicted at trial was sentenced.  In an effort to enhance his personal finances, this defendant conspired to manipulate the stock market and take advantage of insider information.  The noteworthy sentence handed down today, the announcement made by U.S. Attorney Fremin and the dedicated work by the men and women of the FBI, Secret Service, IRS-CI and Securities and Exchange Commission reinforces our belief in our criminal system that justice will prevail."

“Victory Ho is a prime example of someone who, for his own personal benefit, cheated American taxpayers and investors by using information he received illegally,” said Thomas J. Holloman, III, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation. “With both law enforcement and financial investigation expertise, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are uniquely qualified to assist state and federal law enforcement and other regulatory agencies with these types of cases.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Baton Rouge offices of the FBI, Secret Service, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Dippel and Patricia Jones.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Norberto Aaron Bejarano, age 32, of Houston, Texas, to 33 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine.  The Court further sentenced BEJARANO to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  BEJARANO must also forfeit $69,920 in drug proceeds.  Upon release from prison, Bejarano will be removed from the United States and returned to his home country of Mexico.

BEJARANO was charged as a result of an extensive federal, state, and local investigation aimed at a drug trafficking network based in Ascension Parish and covering Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.  The drug trafficking organization, led by Arthur Johnson (“Johnson”), distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin in and around Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Ascension Parish Louisiana.  BEJARANO assisted the Johnson drug trafficking organization by transporting kilogram quantities of cocaine from Texas to Louisiana for further distribution in and around Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, by members of the Johnson drug trafficking organization.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This is yet another step in reaching our office’s goal of reducing crime and aggressively enforcing federal law.  The people of Ascension Parish are better off now that this defendant is off the streets.  I am grateful for the hard work and efforts of our prosecutors and many local, state and federal partners who worked tirelessly on this very important matter.”  

Eric J. Rommal, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge stated, “I commend the tremendous efforts put forth by the FBI Baton Rouge Resident Agency Office, Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and the Baton Rouge Police Department in removing a significant amount of illegal narcotics from our streets. Through their persistence to identify, track, and apprehend drug traffickers in South Central Louisiana, our children and families have a safer community."

The investigation is another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. 

This OCDETF operation was investigated by the FBI Baton Rouge Capitol Area Gang Task Force, which is an FBI Safe Street Task Force that includes the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and Baton Rouge Police Department, with assistance from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the FBI Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Resident Agency, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that, LESTER DESMOULIN, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  As a result of his conviction, DESMOULIN faces a significant term of imprisonment, fine, and a period of supervised release.

In the hearing before Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick, DESMOULIN pled guilty to possession of a Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol after having been convicted of three felony offenses between 2006 and 2016. His prior offenses include aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of controlled substances on two separate occasions, with all three resulting in felony convictions in the 19th Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge.

During the plea hearing DESMOULIN admitted that on July 31, 2017, defendant’s friend, Terrance Thornton, had hidden a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol at a private residence in Baton Rouge just prior to being arrested that day. Shortly after his arrest, Thornton contacted DESMOULIN via a jail call and directed DESMOULIN to go to the residence where he had earlier hidden the pistol and retrieve it. DESMOULIN then went to the residence in Baton Rouge and took possession of the Glock pistol. Thornton had previously pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and, on October 10, 2018, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to serve 10 years in federal prison.    

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The investigation of this offense, which involved a collective effort by several of our Violent Crime Strike Force partners, and the resulting conviction of DESMOULIN, highlights our effort to pursue offenders who have previously committed serious crimes and continue to engage in such conduct. Our collective efforts also reflect our continuing commitment to keep our community safe.”

“ATF, along with our state, local, and federal partners, will continue to focus our efforts on the disruption of violent crime in our community through the arrest and prosecution of Lester DESMOULIN and other violent criminals just like him”’ said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols. “Keeping our communities safe is a priority for all of law enforcement.” 

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Baton Rouge Police Department, with substantial assistance from the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory and Fugitive Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced JERMAINE CHRISTOPHER PLEASANT a.k.a. “Plat Plat,” age 36, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, to 80 months in federal prison following his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and unlawful use of communications facilities.  The Court further sentenced PLEASANT to 5 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. 

PLEASANT was charged in an extensive federal, state, and local investigation aimed at dismantling a large scale heroin trafficking network based in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas.  The indictment charges significant drug trafficking, racketeering, firearm, and conspiracy charges.  To date, investigative efforts have resulted in the seizure of over one and a half kilograms of heroin, substantial amounts of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and oxycodone. Authorities have also seized seven firearms, over $314,000 in drug proceeds, and three vehicles allegedly used in the drug trafficking venture: a 2013 Porsche 911, a Mercedes CLS550, and a GMC Hummer.

From September 22, 2015 to April of 2016, PLEASANT conspired with eleven additional members of the drug trafficking organization to distribute in excess of 100 grams of heroin, in the Middle District of Louisiana, as set forth in the Indictment.  As part of the conspiracy, Jason Muse purchased kilogram quantities of heroin from sources in Texas and then distributed the heroin to others in Baton Rouge and Ascension Parish.   PLEASANT bought heroin from Muse to sell to others in and around Ascension parish. 

To further the investigation into the organization’s drug trafficking activities, agents conducted court authorized interceptions of J. Muse’s wire and electronic communications.  Through these interceptions, investigators learned that PLEASANT used telephones in furtherance of the conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin.      

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Thanks to the hard work of my office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we were able to remove this drug dealer from our streets with a significant jail sentence.  We will continue to use our combined resources to keep dangerous drugs and drug dealers out of our communities.”

“Federal and local law enforcement have successfully collaborated in order to put this drug dealer in jail for 80 months as a result of his desire to supply the citizens in and around Ascension Parish with heroin.  This successful prosecution should put others who engage in this type of criminal activity on notice:  If you sell drugs, you will face federal charges and a lengthy prison sentence,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

This operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baton Rouge City Police Department, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Gonzales Police Department.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kleinpeter, who also serves as a deputy criminal chief.

The investigation is another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program that was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced TERRANCE THORNTON, a 25-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction of possessing two firearms by a convicted felon.  The Court further sentenced THORNTON to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  The Court also ordered that the firearms possessed by THORNTON be forfeited.

Following a high-speed car chase on July 31, 2017, THORNTON fled from Baton Rouge Police Officers on foot.  As he fled, THORNTON hid a Glock pistol within a residential backyard.  He later directed an associate to retrieve the hidden pistol and bring it to his residence.  On August 1, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence where they recovered the Glock pistol and a Century Arms 7.62 caliber rifle.  In announcing the sentence, the Court specifically referenced the fact that THORNTON possessed both firearms in connection with his possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aggravated criminal damage to property associated with two drive-by shootings of residences in July 2017.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Thornton’s sentence to 10 years in prison, which is the maximum statutory penalty that he faced, is a testament to the efforts of Federal, State, and local law enforcement partners working in concert to get violent offenders, such as Thornton, off of our streets.  It should also serve as a strong message to others engaged in any criminal conduct, to include violent crime, to return to life as a contributing member of society or face the consequence of a significant term of imprisonment.”

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with our Federal, State, and Local Law enforcement partners continue to serve our communities by focusing our efforts on removing armed violent drug traffickers from our streets. Especially those that have no respect for the community or law enforcement.  We work diligently to protect our citizens by presenting relevant investigative work to our Middle District of Louisiana US Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Baton Rouge Police Department, with substantial assistance from the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory and Fugitive Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a federal jury has convicted two members of a drug trafficking network operating in the Baton Rouge area. OSCAR MACHADO-GALEANA, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, allegedly tied to the Sinaloan Cartel in Mexico, was convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearm violation.  Late afternoon, October 4, 2018, after a 9 day trial, the jury unanimously returned guilty verdicts of guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; distribution of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The jury convicted his co-defendant, ROY MARTIN HERRARA-ROMERO of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. 

As the evidence at trial demonstrated, MACHADO-GALEANA obtained pounds of methamphetamine as well as a quantity of heroin from a source operating in Lafayette, Louisiana, as well as pounds of marijuana from a source in northern California.  Machado-Galeana, with the assistance of Alexander P. Nava, distributed methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana to various dealers in the Baton Rouge and Laplace, Louisiana areas.  Machado-Galeana used a nominee to purchase cashier’s checks and forward those to his marijuana supplier in California.   In some instances, Nava and Machado-Galeana carried firearms with them when delivering methamphetamine to dealers and picking up the payments for those controlled substances.  On March 18, 2015, during the execution of a search warrant at a storage unit at 13822 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, near the premises where HERRARA-ROMERO resided, law enforcement officers seized approximately 18 pounds of high-grade methamphetamine.   Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant that day also upon Herrera-Romero’s residence at 13822 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where they found triple beam and digital scales, a. 45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and an amount of marijuana.  That same morning, officers executed a search warrant at Machado-Galeana’s residence at 11634 W. Sherwood Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where they seized a number of firearms, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

MACHADO-GALEANA faces a sentence of not less than fifteen years and up to life imprisonment.  HERRERA-ROMERO faces a penalty of up to five years imprisonment.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “These convictions are another step in fulfilling our commitment to stand up to the threat of drug dealers and drug trafficking organizations who deal dangerous substances on our streets. As our Nation continues this fight we will work in lock step with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure drug dealers, like those convicted in this case, are taken out of our communities and sent to federal prison. This indictment and conviction should send a message to those who commit crime in our district… We will be patient. We will be methodical - and we will be successful.” U.S. Attorney Fremin also said, “This was truly a collaborative effort. I am extremely proud of the outstanding work by our prosecutors and staff and the many federal, state and local partners who made the investigation, prosecution and conviction possible.”

“The successful prosecution of the members of this drug trafficking organization should be a warning to others who engage in this type of activity,” stated DEA Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Arnett. “By removing these criminals from the streets, they can no longer distribute this toxic poison to our communities. This case highlights the impact multiple agencies can have when they join forces. We will continue to work together and pursue those who threaten our communities through the smuggling and distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs and bring them to justice.  This investigation is a compelling example of that success."

This operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baton Rouge City Police Department, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert W. Piedrahita, Peter Smyczek and Elizabeth White.

The investigation is another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded several grants to state and local law enforcement agencies in the Middle District of Louisiana. Recipients of those grants include but are not limited to the Louisiana Department of Justice, Louisiana State Police, the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the Denham Springs Police Department, the New Roads Police Department and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office to support crime reduction efforts and enhance officer safety.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement during the recent National Public Safety Partnership Symposium on Violent Crime in Birmingham, Alabama attended by U.S. Attorney Fremin, Chief Murphy Paul of the Baton Rouge Police Department and Steve Danielson of the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Crime Strategies Unit. The National Public Safety Partnership is a DOJ-wide initiative that enables cities to consult with and receive a coordinated array of resources from DOJ’s programmatic and law enforcement components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; United States Attorneys’ Offices; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Office on Violence Against Women; the Office of Justice Programs; the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; and other federal agencies in order to improve local violence reduction strategies through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Through the enhanced PSN, the Department is targeting the most violent criminals in the most violent areas, utilizing policing tools that did not exist even a few years ago. Tools like Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC), which combine intelligence from gunshot detection systems, ballistics, gun tracing, and good old-fashioned police work, help to develop real-time leads on the “traffickers and trigger pullers” who are fueling the violence in their communities. By using modern technologies and cutting-edge police work, the Justice Department is deploying resources strategically to provide the greatest return on our community-based anti-violence efforts. 

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs.  I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face.  Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.”  

As a Public Safety Partnership member site, Baton Rouge will receive over $630,000, awarded to the Office of the East Baton Rouge District Attorney, that will be used to hire personnel to utilize the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and to purchase technology required to operate a Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) and ammunition for ballistic tests of recovered weapons.  The Baton Rouge CGIC is an interagency collaboration of state, local and law enforcement agencies focused on immediate collection, management and analysis of crime gun evidence such as shell casings and test fires of unlawfully used firearms recovered in real time to identify criminal shooters, disrupt criminal activity and prevent future violence.

The Louisiana Department of Justice will receive $315,000 which will be used by the Louisiana Attorney General to focus on protecting children from technology-facilitated sexual exploitation by training and equipping personnel dedicated to the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program.

The Louisiana State Police will receive approximately $1,200,000 for statewide efforts to: create efficiencies in the validation and analysis of DNA samples at booking stations across the state; and to improve school security by providing resources to Louisiana’s STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program.

The Baton Rouge City Police will receive over $400,000 which will be used to: support the effort of disrupting gun violence in Baton Rouge through a targeted deployment of officers using technology who will respond to firearm discharges, examine crime scenes, retrieve and process cartridge casings, and speak with community members who may have seen or heard the gunshot(s); provide a secure and anonymous mechanism for students, teachers, parents, and community members at large to report violent incidents as well as behaviors and activities that could lead to school violence; and to purchase much needed equipment.

Denham Springs Police Department will receive $27,000 and New Roads Police Department will receive $18,000 for the Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program.  This funding will support the development, implementation and evaluation of body-worn camera program in each of these agencies. The Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office will receive $20,000 for the purchase of additional equipment.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “During a trip to Washington D.C. earlier this year Attorney General Sessions made it clear to me and to my fellow U.S. Attorneys that one of President Trump’s priorities is to reduce crime in America. General Sessions made a commitment to us to provide resources to our offices and to the districts in which we operate – all in an effort to bolster our already robust crime fighting strategies. The first of those efforts came earlier this year when General Sessions authorized U.S. Attorneys nationwide to hire over 300 Assistant United States Attorneys across the country - we’re adding 10 to my office. Today, I am proud to announce the commitment of federal dollars to further support this effort.” U.S. Attorney Fremin added, “The federal grant money distributed to our state and local partners is yet another example of our commitment to reducing violent crime in our district. As U.S. Attorney, I’ve had many conversations with senior law enforcement officials in our district and I know they are fully prepared to use these additional resources to make our community a safer place to live, work and raise our families. As long as I am U.S. Attorney I will fight for every resource available to assist in this effort.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry stated, “Our Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce is dedicated to protecting Louisiana’s children from predators. The great teamwork by our ICAC partners has resulted in the arrests of perpetrators from all over Louisiana,” said General Landry. “We are grateful to have federal partners who share our commitment to making Louisiana’s communities safer. And we are thankful that U.S. Attorney Fremin and the USDOJ have worked to secure this critical funding to defend our State’s children.”

“LSP remains committed to working alongside our federal and local law enforcement partners as well as school officials to ensure a safe learning environment for Louisiana’s children,” stated Colonel Kevin Reeves, State Police Superintendent.  “We are very thankful to the U.S. Department of Justice for their consideration and subsequent grant award to the Louisiana State Police.  Through the resources provided by these grants, State Police will begin immediate coordination with our partners to implement the necessary steps to improve school safety in Louisiana.”

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore stated, “We are all very excited to see the federal government invest locally in technology to reduce violent gun crime.  This award of $634,000 over the 3 year project timeline will enable our local Crime Strategies Unit and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab to add personnel and technology to focus on linking expended casings recovered from crime scenes to the guns recovered from defendants; resulting in much more timely and effective prosecutions of the shooters.”

Chief of Police Murphy Paul of the Baton Rouge City Police stated, “I would like to acknowledge United States Attorney Brandon Fremin for his support in reducing violent crime in the City of Baton Rouge. The Baton Rouge Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office have been working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to target violent offenders involved in felonious activity in the Baton Rouge area. As a result of this partnership, BRPD has been awarded over $400,000 to fund three different law enforcement led programs designed to reduce violent gun crimes, enhance school safety and fund police equipment.”

“The Denham Springs Police Department and City of Denham Springs will be greatly pleased to accept the FY 2018 grant for our body-worn camera initiative.  In equipping all of our officers with body-worn cameras we hope to increase officer safety by using audio and video footage for training purposes, increase transparency in our day-to-day operations, increase the accountability of our officers, and reduce frivolous or unfounded complaints and civil actions against our officers,” stated Denham Springs Police Chief Shannon Womack.

The grants announced today build on the Department’s commitment to reducing violent crime in America, as directed by President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order. The Department has also distributed additional resources and built up strong partnerships with local law enforcement in communities plagued by violent crime. For more information on U.S. Department of Justice grant announcements, visit www.bja.gov.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced ERIC LASHAWN WILLIAMS, a.k.a. “E” and “EZ,” age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 70 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. 

On July 2, 2018, Williams, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 46.5 grams of heroin, 285 grams of cocaine and 28.35 grams of marijuana, one count of the unlawful use of a communication facility, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  WILLIAMS also pled guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with violating the Federal Animal Welfare Act by possession of animals in animal fighting ventures.

WILLIAMS was the organizer and leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for the distribution of cocaine, marijuana and heroin in the Valley Park neighborhood of Baton Rouge.  

During the investigation into WILLIAMS’ drug trafficking, law enforcement agents became aware that WILLIAMS was also involved in an illegal dog-fighting operation.  Law enforcement intercepted WILLIAMS and others over numerous telephone conversations regarding the results of dogfights in states including Louisiana, Arkansas, and Georgia, future fights, the stakes (cash) wagers on upcoming fights, as well as the breeding, sale, and training of dogs for dogfighting. 

On August 24, 2017, law enforcement agents conducted a search at two residences in Baton Rouge and seized 13 pit bull dogs.  The dogs belonged to the defendant WILLIAMS and were related to dog-fighting activities.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The honest, law abiding people in the Valley Park community can sleep well tonight knowing that a convicted felon who possessed firearms and sold deadly drugs in their neighborhood is behind bars. This sentence should serve as a reminder to those who engage in criminal wrongdoing that we will not tolerate such behavior in our community. I am grateful to our prosecutors and staff along with the FBI who worked tirelessly on this very important matter.”

This investigation is another effort by the OCDETF Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

This OCDETF operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the FBI Baton Rouge Capitol Area Gang Task Force. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced UDRAKA ROBERTS-BEY, age 28, of New Orleans, Louisiana, to 105 months in federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor.  The Court further sentenced ROBERTS-BEY to five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. 

ROBERTS-BEY and another conspired to recruit and induce a 15-year-old female to engage in prostitution and benefit financially from their pay-for-sex enterprise at locations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. ROBERTS-BEY promoted their prostitution business by using the website “backpage.com” to post classified advertisements in the Baton Rouge Female Escorts section for commercial sex acts.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence reflects how seriously we in the federal system treat these types of despicable acts. The message is simple: Those who prey upon minors in an effort to lure them into prostitution and human trafficking will be dealt with harshly by my office. I commend the outstanding efforts of the prosecutors and our federal, state and local partners who collaborated on this very important matter.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the FBI New Orleans Division, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police, with assistance from the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese and Assistant District Attorney Steve Danielson.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced DERRICK REYMOND ROBINSON, a 37-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  ROBINSON’s sentence includes 5 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  At the time of this offense, ROBINSON was on supervised release from a 2012 federal conviction of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  ROBINSON was sentenced separately to an additional 24 months imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervision, to run concurrently. 

On November 22, 2016, officers from the Baton Rouge Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of marijuana at ROBINSON’s residence.  On November 23, 2016, a search warrant of that residence was executed wherein officers found a black cooler-type container that contained significant quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, oxycodone pills, and over 4000 Ecstasy (MEMA) pills in ROBINSON’s bedroom.  Officers also recovered a digital scale from the same container. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This sentence should serve as a stark reminder to dope dealers in our district that our office is determined to use our resources to remove them from our streets so that our children can grow up in safe, drug free neighborhoods. I am very proud of the outstanding efforts of our prosecutors, the DEA and the Baton Rouge Police Department.”

“The successful prosecution of Derrick Robinson should put others who engage in this type of activity on notice:  if you sell drugs you will face federal charges and a lengthy prison sentence.  This offender’s sentence in federal prison sends a message of our unending resolve to pursue drug traffickers who wreak havoc in our communities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baton Rouge Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cam Le and Jennifer Kleinpeter, who also serves as a deputy criminal chief.   

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that JACQUE BUTLER, age 47, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, hydrocodone, and alprazolam, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  As a result of his conviction, BUTLER faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years for the firearms offense, which must be served consecutive to any sentence imposed for the drug offense, a fine, and a period of supervised release.

In a hearing before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles, BUTLER admitted to possessing nine firearms, a CN Romarms, AK-47, 7.62 caliber rifle, a Bushmaster, .223 caliber rifle, a Taurus, model 990, .22 caliber pistol, a Taurus, .38 caliber pistol, a Ruger, model GP 100, .357 caliber pistol, a Metro Arms, .45 caliber pistol, a Springfield Armory, model 1911-A1, .45 caliber pistol, a Taurus, model PT11G2, 9mm pistol, and a Hi Point, model JHP, .45 caliber pistol, to further, advance, or help his drug trafficking crime. 

On August 16, 2017, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives executed a search warrant on BUTLER’s residence after receiving information that BUTLER was selling marijuana from his home.  From his residence, detectives recovered the aforementioned firearms, quantities of marijuana and pills containing hydrocodone and alprazolam, and a digital scale. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that four of the firearms had been reported stolen through the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and Baton Rouge Police Department.  At the time, BUTLER was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated,  “This conviction is another example of how our partnership with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and ATF can remove those who traffic drugs and possess illegal firearms from our streets and make our communities  safer for our citizens. “

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, ““ATF will continue to focus our investigations on felons in possession of firearms and violent armed drug traffickers. ATF, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners continue to make our communities safer by removing these individuals from our streets utilizing federal prosecutions.  Seizing this many weapons from Mr. Butler will help to reduce violent crime in our community.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, with substantial assistance from the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Demetrius Sumner.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that LISA ELIZABETH CORONA, 37, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, pled guilty to theft of $30,644 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in relation to the 2016 flooding that affected numerous local areas, to include Livingston Parish.  As a result of her conviction, CORONA faces a significant term of imprisonment, fine, and period of supervised release.

Following the 2016 flooding that affected 12 parishes in south Louisiana, FEMA funds were available to people who had emergency needs for food, shelter, and clothing because of the flood.  In order to qualify for assistance based on home ownership, an individual must have, among other things, resided in the home at the time of the storm.

According to the indictment, CORONA is alleged to have submitted a false application for FEMA assistance for a Denham Springs residence where she did not reside at the time of the August 2016 flooding.  In her application, she is also alleged to have lied in asserting that, because of the damage to the Denham Springs residence, she had emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The acts of this defendant, and those like her, are despicable and likely deprived honest, hard-working victims of the flood of benefits and services they so desperately needed.  This conviction should send a strong message to would-be fraudsters who target victims of natural disasters and federal funding that they too will become targets. My office along with the National Center for Disaster Fraud and our federal, state, and local partners will continue our already robust efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to steal disaster assistance funds from the Federal Government or from our people.  I am especially grateful to our prosecutors and staff and to the investigators at DHS-OIG who made today’s conviction possible.”

Special Agent in Charge David Green, Houston Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, stated, “The DHS OIG will not tolerate those who attempt to exploit natural disasters.  False claims like these slow the process for those who actually need help and the false claim is stealing money from the hardworking US Taxpayer.  The DHS OIG will continue to investigate these false claims.”

Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721.  The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov.  Learn more about the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/MONROE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. 

The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud.  More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.

“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.  “We are now in hurricane season, and it is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities.  The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”

While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:

• Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
• Identity theft;
• Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
• Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
• Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
• Price gouging;
• Contractor fraud;
• Debris removal fraud; and
• Theft, looting, and other violent crime

In ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships and better inform the American people of its mission, the NCDF has joined with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, who was recently installed as the President of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), in an effort to spread the message of the NCDF to more of our partners nationwide. We at the NCDF are collaborating with Attorney General Landry and the NAAG to inform every state Attorney General of the mission and function of the NCDF as part of Attorney General Landry’s presidential initiative on disaster fraud.

 “Louisiana has suffered from the devastation of many hurricanes and other natural disasters throughout its history,” U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph stated. “I join with NCDF Executive Director U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry in condemning the actions of those who would take advantage of disaster victims and pledge to vigorously prosecute those who take advantage of programs that are in place to provide relief. The National Center for Disaster Fraud is a great tool to expose those who would try to use national disasters for personal gain and to prosecute the fraud schemes that hurt those most in need. As we face the current hurricane season, I urge the public to prepare, but also to remember that there is help should disaster strike.”

“As President of the National Association of Attorneys General, my goal is to use the next 18 months to gather as much intel as possible so we may better prepare state and federal leaders for future crises,” said Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry.  “We are fortunate to have the NCDF right here in Louisiana, and it has served as a great resource to our citizens through hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.”

Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims and before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims, as well as being extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster.  Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods.  Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721.   The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov (link sends e-mail).  Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here.  Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.

On August 29th 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Region of the United States, caused hundreds of thousands of people to be displaced from their homes, and caused damages estimated in excess of $100 billon. In the wake of Katrina, billions of dollars in federal aid flowed into the Gulf Region and, inevitably, so did those willing to exploit people during some of their most vulnerable times.  As a result, the U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF).

The NCDF, a national coordinating agency, was created by a partnership between the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and various law enforcement and regulatory agencies. The goal was to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for the victims of such fraud. The NCDF is led by U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana Brandon J. Fremin who serves as its Executive Director.

The NCDF serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and provides a nationwide call center located on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The NCDF takes calls from members of the public and encourages them to report all types of disaster fraud. The NCDF employs a team of law enforcement agents who review those reports and make referrals to the appropriate investigative agencies for further investigation and for potential referral for prosecution. The NCDF provides de-confliction and coordination in handling disaster fraud matters and is focused on protecting disaster victims and any funds dedicated to disaster victims.

“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.  “We are now in hurricane season, and it is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities.  The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”

The recent Carr Fire in California, though largely contained, has caused severe damage; the Pacific Hurricane Season has already proven to be quite active, as demonstrated by Hurricane Lane’s destructive landfall in Hawaii; and we are already 90 days into the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Unfortunately, and inevitably, natural and man-made disasters will continue to occur across our great nation. These terrible and often tragic events leave many people without food, water, or shelter, and often cause devastating damage to life and property. Nevertheless, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.

In ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships and better inform the American people of its mission, the NCDF has joined with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, who was recently installed as the President of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), in an effort to spread the message of the NCDF to more of our partners nationwide. We at the NCDF are collaborating with Attorney General Landry and the NAAG to inform every state Attorney General of the mission and function of the NCDF as part of Attorney General Landry’s presidential initiative on disaster fraud.

“The NCDF has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints during hurricane season and help ensure that each report of fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency,” said Executive Director Fremin.  “Our collaboration with the National Association of Attorneys General and Attorney General Landry is yet another example of our efforts to better serve the American people before, during and after a natural disaster. Raising public awareness by spreading the message of the NCDF through the state Attorneys General is a great way for the NCDF to reach thousands of people who may one day be subjected to fraudulent schemes.” 

“As President of the National Association of Attorneys General, my goal is to use the next 18 months to gather as much intel as possible so we may better prepare state and federal leaders for future crises,” said Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry.  “We are fortunate to have the NCDF right here in Louisiana and it has served as a great resource to our citizens through hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. I am proud to team up with U.S. Attorney Fremin and the great men and women at the NCDF as we continue to look for ways to move Louisiana and other states forward in terms of emergency preparedness and management.”

Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. They are also reminded to report suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or allegations of criminal conduct. If members of the public believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, they are strongly encouraged to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721.   

The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information can also be faxed to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or sent by email. To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here. 

** MEDIA ADVISORY **

WHAT:          United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry will make an announcement regarding a partnership between the National Center for Disaster Fraud and the National Association of Attorneys General. 

WHEN:          Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE:       National Center for Disaster Fraud Call Center, LSU’s Johnston Hall

 

 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced ADRIAN C. HAMMOND, JR., age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 12 months and one day in federal prison following his convictions for bank fraud, money laundering and obstructing the administration of Internal Revenue laws.  The Court further sentenced HAMMOND to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  HAMMOND was also ordered to pay $200,719.59 restitution to Red River Bank, $58,000 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, and to forfeit an additional $213,656.12.

As the defendant admitted in connection with his guilty pleas, HAMMOND owned and/or operated a number of businesses, including 51/50 Productions, LLC and Affiliate Nation, LLC, through which he worked as a studio producer and event promoter, and Northgate Investments, LLC.  In 2013, HAMMOND opened a new business, Best Boilers Seafood, LLC, which HAMMOND represented would operate a full-service seafood restaurant in Baton Rouge.

In connection with his efforts to open Best Boilers, however, HAMMOND knowingly executed a scheme to defraud a local bank.  In February of 2013, HAMMOND caused Fidelity Bank of Baton Rouge, now known as Red River Bank, to approve two new business loans worth more than $300,000.  After the new loans were in place, HAMMOND provided the bank with two invoices from a Baton Rouge restaurant supply company that appeared to reflect that HAMMOND had purchased approximately $132,000 of equipment.  HAMMOND had not purchased the equipment reflected on the invoices, nor had he incurred the expenses reflected on the invoices, nor did he have any intention of doing so at the time he submitted the documents to the bank.  Based on the false documents, the bank began disbursing loan proceeds to HAMMOND, including two cashier’s checks payable to the vendor having a value of approximately $132,978.

After gaining control of the funds, HAMMOND illegally laundered the proceeds.  First, HAMMOND deposited the checks into a Regions Bank account in the name of a company with a name that was substantially similar to the vendor’s actual name.  HAMMOND had previously caused an individual who lived in Georgia to open the account in Georgia pursuant to his instructions.  HAMMOND then caused the majority of the funds that had been deposited into the Georgia account to be transferred to yet another Regions Bank account that HAMMOND controlled, from which HAMMOND withdrew much of the funds in cash.  HAMMOND knew that the funds represented the proceeds of unlawful activity and intended to conceal and disguise the location and control of the money.

Meanwhile, from 2011 through 2016, HAMMOND had a significant unpaid tax liability with the Department of Treasury—Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  Through a series of acts, he attempted to impede and obstruct the IRS in an effort to unjustly enrich himself, appear more credit-worthy to third parties than he actually was, and evade the IRS’s efforts to collect money owed by HAMMOND.  For instance, in 2014, after the IRS filed a Notice of Tax Lien against HAMMOND for more than $110,000 in unpaid taxes, HAMMOND caused a fraudulent lien withdrawal to be filed with the 19th Judicial District Court for East Baton Rouge Parish.  The fraudulent document purportedly withdrew the federal tax lien that had previously been filed against HAMMOND, even though HAMMOND knew that he had not paid his unpaid liability.

By early 2016, HAMMOND’s tax liability remained outstanding.  The IRS issued a levy notice to Southern University and A&M College (“Southern”), which had entered into a contract with HAMMOND, through Affiliate Nation, to provide entertainment for an upcoming concert, at a cost of more than $220,000.  When Southern advised HAMMOND that it intended to honor the levy and withhold some of the funds that Southern would otherwise have paid to HAMMOND, HAMMOND terminated the contract.  HAMMOND then caused an acquaintance of his to obtain the same contract with Southern, and after his acquaintance began receiving funds from Southern, HAMMOND persuaded the acquaintance to route more than $60,000 of the funds to him, unbeknownst to Southern.  HAMMOND deposited the funds into the bank account of another one of his businesses, Boil & Roux Kitchen, LLC, which allowed HAMMOND to gain control over funds that otherwise would have been used to meet his long-standing tax delinquency.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This case should serve as a strong reminder that we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute significant financial crimes affecting victims in our district.  We will not be deterred by a defendant’s sophisticated attempts to avoid the law, such as this defendant’s elaborate scheme to launder some of thes fraudulent proceeds of his crimes and hide other income that was long overdue to the United States Treasury.  I am especially appreciative of the dedicated, professional IRS employees who worked diligently, for years, to try to hold Mr. Hammond responsible for his years of unpaid bills and prompt him to comply with the same tax laws that the rest of us follow.  The federal prison sentence that Mr. Hammond will serve in this case will hopefully deter him and others from similar criminal conduct in the future, and the restitution and forfeiture orders imposed by the court will help us provide recovery for the victims.”  

TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Gary Smith stated, “It is the mission of the TIGTA to protect the integrity of the Internal Revenue Service and promote the fair administration of our Federal tax system.  TIGTA continues to work closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and all of our law enforcement partners to hold individuals responsible for their attempts to interfere with our nation’s tax system for personal gain.”

The investigation was led by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which received valuable assistance from the Internal Revenue Service’s Examination and Collection Divisions.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens, who serves as Deputy Chief within the office’s Criminal Division.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that ALEXANDRU-NICUSOR NITA, age 27, a Romanian national, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  On August 9, 2018, Nita’s co-conspirator, DANIELA-STEFANI IANEV, age 31, also a Romanian national, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  As a result of their convictions, both NITA and IANEV face significant terms of imprisonment, fines, and periods of supervised release.

From November to late December 2017, NITA and IANEV conspired with others to commit bank fraud.  NITA and IANEV installed ATM skimming devices on ATM machines at several financial institutions around the Baton Rouge area, among other locations in Louisiana.  These ATM skimming devices captured the financial information of hundreds of customers using the ATM machines.  The stolen bank account information was subsequently encoded onto blank debit cards and gift cards.

NITA and IANEV also installed overhead cameras on these ATM machines to capture the personal identification numbers (“PIN”) of the customers.  The debit cards and gift cards were used by others, in combination with the corresponding PIN access codes, to make unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts, including at financial institutions in the Baton Rouge area. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Anyone who attempts to undermine the American people’s confidence in our financial systems through fraudulent criminal activity will be prosecuted vigorously. These defendants preyed upon unsuspecting victims by stealing and using their personal financial information in an effort to enrich themselves and today they have been held accountable. I sincerely appreciate the hard work and collaborative efforts of our prosecutors, the Secret Service, EBRSO and the Gonzales PD in their quest to bring these criminals to justice.”

Tara McLeese, Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Office in Baton Rouge stated, “The Secret Service’s founding mission was to investigate and counter threats to the financial payment systems of the United States. Financial crimes investigations in the Baton Rouge area in particular benefit from an established Financial Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of Federal, State and local investigators. Members of this Task Force were instrumental in the successful investigation of this case. The Secret Service will continue to prioritize cases that have economic impact to the community and those that involve emerging technologies.”

“When criminals use fraudulent means, such as theft, to obtain prescription drugs illegally, they place all U.S. consumers at risk,” said Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Miami Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who put the public health at risk.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Secret Service, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Financial Crimes Unit, and Gonzales Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brad Casey.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the conviction of ALVIN WATTS, III, a 37-year-old resident of Addis, Louisiana.  Watts was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 7, 2016 and charged in a multicount indictment.  Count One charges the defendant with Conspiracy to Possess, Transport and Traffic in Embezzled Pre-Retail Medical Products and Stolen Property, Count Two charges Trafficking in Stolen and Embezzled Pre-Retail Medical Products, Count Three charges Transportation of Stolen Property, and Count Four charges Receipt, Possession, Concealment, Storage, and Sale of Stolen Property.

After a 2-day trial before visiting U.S. District Lance M. Africk, the jury unanimously convicted Watts of all four counts.  As the evidence at trial demonstrated, Watts was a co-owner and pharmacist of Doc-Your-Dose Pharmacy in Grosse Tete, Louisiana.  In 2013, Watts organized a scheme to purchase black market HIV pharmaceutical drugs that had been stolen from the Washington, D.C. Department of Health Pharmacy Warehouse intended for indigent HIV patients in Washington, D.C.  Watts sent two of his employees to D.C. on multiple occasions between June and September of 2013 to purchase the stolen medications from various locations including at a local D.C. hotel and fast food chain.  Watts directed his employees to return the black market medications to his Louisiana pharmacy, and once there, Watts dispensed the stolen medication to unsuspecting HIV patients. As a result, Watts profited approximately $600,000.00 by dispensing black market medications as opposed to selling legally-obtained medications.

Watts’ criminal conduct became known as the result of a traffic stop near Chattanooga, Tennessee, in which his couriers were stopped for speeding.  During the stop, officers discovered a significant quantity of stolen HIV medications in the trunk of their vehicle. The investigation identified Watts’ criminal conduct along with the conduct of four co-conspirators who were indicted and subsequently pled guilty for their involvement in this scheme. All are awaiting sentencing for their part in this conspiracy.

As a result of his convictions, Watts now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for Count Two, and 15 years for Counts Three and Four, and 5 years for Count One. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Professionals like this defendant who violate federal law and think they can hide in plain view are sadly mistaken. Profiting from stolen meds intended for indigent patients is despicable and will not be tolerated by this office.  The actions of this defendant are a great disservice to the many honest, ethical and law abiding pharmacists and medical professionals in our communities.  I am extremely proud of the efforts of our prosecutors and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners who played a critical role in investigating and prosecuting this complex and important matter.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry said, "I commend my Medicaid Fraud investigators for their diligence and professionalism in this matter which resulted in the conviction of Alvin Watts. Our office and U.S. Attorney Fremin's Office will continue working together to uphold the rule of law."

“When criminals use fraudulent means, such as theft, to obtain prescription drugs illegally, they place all U.S. consumers at risk,” said Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Miami Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who put the public health at risk.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the United States Food And Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with assistance from the State of Tennessee 10th Judicial District Drug & Violent Crime Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Smyczek and Paul Pugliese.   

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced DUSTIN JACK MALONE, a 34-year-old resident of French Settlement, Louisiana, to 110 months in federal prison following his conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The Court further sentenced Malone to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  The Court also ordered that the firearm possessed by Malone be forfeited.

On September 7, 2017, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Deputies responded to a domestic dispute about a man with a gun at a residence. Shortly thereafter, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a white pickup truck being driven by Malone and saw in plain view, a 12-gauge shotgun with a barrel of less than 17 inches within the reach of Malone.

Additional investigation revealed that Malone had already been convicted of at least one felony offense.  During the sentencing, after an extensive hearing, the Judge enhanced Malone’s sentence, finding that Malone possessed in the truck, a second sawed off shotgun with an obliterated serial number.  In handing down the 110 month sentence, the Judge found that Malone had pointed the sawed off 12-gauge shotgun at one of the persons involved in the domestic dispute, that Malone has an “extensive criminal history and extensive prior [illegal] drug use.” 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Domestic disputes involving guns are one of the most volatile situations in our society for both the participants and for law enforcement. The defendant introduced a gun into an already volatile situation which could have ended tragically. Thankfully, no one was injured and it ended with the defendant being held accountable for his actions. This prosecution and sentence should serve as a stark reminder that felons with guns have our attention and will be aggressively pursued and prosecuted with great vigor. I sincerely appreciate the effort of our prosecutors, the ATF and the EBRSO – this is yet another example of how local and federal collaboration yields positive results for our community.”

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with our law enforcement partners continue to serve our communities by focusing our efforts on removing armed violent felons from our streets.  I am proud of the work we are conducting in conjunction with our community. We will continue to work diligently to protect our citizens by presenting relevant investigative work to our Middle District of Louisiana US Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced the sentencings of three individuals involved in a drug trafficking network based and operating in Baton Rouge.  The Indictment filed in this matter charged drug trafficking offenses involving marijuana, as well as the possession of a firearm during and in relation to a narcotics trafficking offense.

On August 20, 2018, U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced DEARIEUS DUHEART, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 24 months in federal prison following his conviction for possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute.  The federal sentence will be served consecutive to a pending, state parole revocation proceeding.

On December 20, 2016, Derrick Keelen was present at 4535 McClelland Court in Baton Rouge.  That day, BRPD officers arrived at the residence to investigate an anonymous complaint of suspicious activity at the residence.  Upon arrival at the house, officers observed that the home’s windows were covered in tinting, preventing outsiders from observing the interior of the residence.  When approaching the carport door of the home, officers could smell raw marijuana.  Officers knocked on the door and identified themselves.  After a brief delay, Derrick Keelen opened the door, whereupon officers were overpowered by the smell of marijuana.  Once the door was opened, officers could see raw marijuana on a nearby table.  Upon officer’s request, the defendant Derrick Keelen allowed officers into the home.  On entering, officers saw marijuana, scales, a firearm and drug paraphernalia. The marijuana, drug-packaging material, and a firearm were in plain view on the coffee table located in the living room. 

Upon further search of the home, BRPD officers found 248 total grams of marijuana, approximately 3.3 total grams of cocaine, three digital scales, several cellular phones, one container of codeine/promethazine, and a Taurus .45 caliber semi-automatic firearm.  A judicially authorized search of a vehicle parked at the residence, belonging to Jornell Keelen, revealed $24,319 and .2g of heroin in an Audi A8 sedan.

On June 25, 2018, U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced DERRICK KEELEN, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 60 months in federal prison following his convictions for possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.    

On March 5, 2018, U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced JORNELL KEELEN, age 24, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 60 months in federal prison following his conviction possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This is yet another step towards our goal of making our communities safer. We will continue to pursue those who deal illegal drugs and create dangerous situations for our communities. I am proud of the efforts of the ATF, BRPD and our prosecutors who handled this important matter.”

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with our law enforcement partners continue to serve our communities by focusing our efforts on removing armed violent felons from our streets.  I am proud of the work we are conducting in conjunction with our community. We will continue to work diligently to protect our citizens by presenting relevant investigative work to our Middle District of Louisiana US Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.”

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Baton Rouge City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cal Leipold and Rene Salomon.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the convictions of five individuals charged in Operation Hidden Fee in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking network based and operating in Baton Rouge.  The Indictment filed in this matter charged significant drug trafficking offenses involving heroin, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine, as well as several firearm offenses. 

On July 10, 2018, JAMES C. HULL a.k.a. “Fat Boy,” age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, appeared before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles and pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base, distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, and four counts of unlawful use of communication facilities. As part of his plea, Hull admitted to being the head of a narcotics distribution ring involving 21 subordinate drug dealers who operated throughout the Baton Rouge area.  Hull and the members of his organization acquired and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and crack cocaine throughout Baton Rouge.

On August 15, 2018, each of the following defendants appeared before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson and pled guilty for their roles in the drug trafficking network:

• William W. Lipscomb, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. Lipscomb admitted to using his home as a place for Hull to store and distribute narcotics and to selling narcotics on behalf of Hull.  Lipscomb faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.

• HEATHER R. WEBBER, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base.  Webber admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy.  Webber faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.

• BRANDON S. KINAMORE, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Kinamore admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy.  Kinamore, a multi-time felon, also admitted to possessing a firearm.  Due to his extensive criminal history, Kinamore is classified as an Armed Career Criminal.  Kinamore faces a mandatory minimum of ten years for the drug conspiracy charge and faces an additional mandatory minimum penalty of fifteen years in prison for the firearm charge.

• STACY TAYLOR, age 40, of Walker, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base.  Taylor admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy.  Taylor faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.

According to documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas, Hull was the organizer and leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base in and around the Baton Rouge area.  Lipscomb stored and sold heroin, cocaine base and methamphetamine at Hull’s direction. Webber regularly purchased methamphetamine from Hull and sold methamphetamine to others.  Kinamore distributed methamphetamine at Hull’s direction and recruited another to sell methamphetamine for Hull.  Taylor obtained methamphetamine from Hull to sell to others.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Today’s convictions are another step towards our goal of removing lethal drugs and those who traffic in them from our streets. We will continue to use every resource available to dismantle these types of organizations and keep our people safe.  They deserve nothing less.  I want to thank our prosecutors and federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their outstanding efforts in this very important matter.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley stated, “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug trafficking organizations.  These indictments should serve as a warning and send a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue violent criminals as well as the drug traffickers plaguing our communities and bring them to justice.”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux stated, “These cases are a result of a lot of hard work by local, state and federal agencies to get drugs and drug dealers off our community streets. These men make money by peddling death to our youth. I’m proud of our agents that have worked so hard and risked so much to make these cases. I'm also grateful to the U.S. Attorney's Office for their hard work and dedication in prosecuting them. We will continue to aggressively work to eradicate these types of enterprises from our community.”

The investigation is yet another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.      

These ongoing investigations were led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with invaluable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge City Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police.  Other agencies also assisted in apprehending the defendants, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Sheriffs’ Offices in Ascension, Iberville, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. 

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Piedrahita and Cal Leipold.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that THANH TRAN, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.  As a result of his conviction, TRAN faces a significant term of imprisonment, fine, and a period of supervised release.

In September 2017, Baton Rouge Police Department (“BRPD”) narcotics detectives received information that TRAN was involved in the distribution of controlled substances.  On September 14, 2017, BRPD narcotics detectives conducted surveillance of TRAN at an apartment complex in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  They observed TRAN place two large black trash bags in the back of his BMW SUV and then drive away.  When TRAN began driving his BMW SUV erratically, the BRPD officers conducted a traffic stop in the 11300 block of Archery Drive in Baton Rouge. 

TRAN told the BRPD officers that he had 15 lbs. of marijuana in his vehicle.  When the officers searched the BMW SUV, they found approximately 30 lbs. of suspected marijuana and about $10,000 cash in the vehicle.  The officers also found approximately $5,000 cash in TRAN’s pockets.

At the time of his arrest, TRAN was on supervised release from a previous federal conviction of conspiracy to distribute MDMA.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction is yet another example of our office’s commitment to fighting the illegal drug trade and those who willingly violate our federal drug laws. I appreciate the hard work of the DEA and the Baton Rouge Police Department in their efforts along with our prosecutors who, together, worked diligently on this and many other important matters.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Baton Rouge Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brad Casey. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced AUGUST NETTLES, a 21-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, to 42 months in federal prison following his conviction of  possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. That sentence is to run consecutively to any sentence NETTLES receives from a pending 2nd degree murder charge in East Baton Rouge Parish.   The Court further sentenced NETTLES to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  The Court also ordered that the firearm possessed by NETTLES be forfeited.

On July, 27, 2017, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies, in connection with a homicide investigation, sought to locate and interview several persons who may have had information concerning the incident. NETTLES was listed among the persons law enforcement officers sought to contact. The officers’ investigation ultimately led them to a Motel 6, located here in the Middle District of Louisiana. NETTLES was located in Room 208, along with a female associate.

A search of the room revealed an Arcus, 98DA Model, 9mm caliber pistol, lodged between the mattress and box springs of the bed wherein NETTLES had been lying. NETTLES provided a statement admitting possession of the firearm.

Additional investigation revealed that on July 27, 2017, NETTLES had already been convicted of at least one felony offense. Specifically, on September 29, 2016, Nettles pled guilty to Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, a felony offense, in East Baton Rouge Parish. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The seriousness of convicted felons carrying guns in our neighborhoods cannot be overstated. Our community is safer as a result of this conviction and sentence, and I am extremely proud of the joint efforts of our prosecutors, the ATF and Sheriff Gautreaux’s office in this and many other important matters.”

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with our law enforcement partners continue to serve our communities by focusing our efforts on removing armed violent felons from our streets.  I am proud of the work we are conducting in conjunction with our community. We will continue to work diligently to protect our citizens by presenting relevant investigative work to our Middle District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux stated, “This indictment is one example of the collaboration of local, state and federal agencies to get dangerous criminals and weapons off our streets. The EBR Sheriff's Office is committed to continuing to work with all our law enforcement counterparts to ensure the safety of our residents. I'm grateful to the U.S. Attorney's Office for their hard work and dedication in prosecuting these cases that our agents have worked so hard to develop”.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Jefferson.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced DARWIN A. ELPHAGE a/k/a “Zero,” age 40, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 2; distribution of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1); and unlawful use of communication facilities, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b).

ELPHAGE was charged in an extensive federal, state, and local investigation aimed at dismantling a large scale heroin trafficking network based in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas.  The indictment charges significant drug trafficking, racketeering, firearm, and conspiracy charges.  To date, investigative efforts have resulted in the seizure of over one and a half kilograms of heroin, substantial amounts of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and oxycodone. Authorities have also seized seven firearms, over $314,000 in drug proceeds, and three vehicles allegedly used in the drug trafficking venture: a 2013 Porsche 911, a Mercedes CLS550, and a GMC Hummer.

From September 22, 2015 to April of 2016, ELPHAGE conspired with eleven additional members of the drug trafficking organization to distribute in excess of one kilogram of heroin, in the Middle District of Louisiana, as set forth in the Indictment.

As part of the conspiracy, Jason Muse purchased kilogram quantities of heroin from Morito Tobar, Aron Winter Mosquera-Castro, Santos Mosquera-Candelo, and Fabio Zuniga-Caicedo.  ELPHAGE, working under the direction of Jason Muse, distributed the heroin to Jason Muse’s customers and his own customers for further distribution in Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish, and elsewhere.                                       

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “There is no room for this kind behavior in our communities…none. Fortunately, when it comes to kilo-level drug dealers like this defendant, there is room in the federal penitentiary. This is yet another reminder that bad behavior by dangerous felons results in significant sentences in federal court. Removing deadly drugs like heroin, oxycodone, crack, and meth from the streets of Ascension Parish makes our communities safer. I am extremely proud of the efforts of the many law enforcement partners on the local, state and federal levels who joined forces in an effort to dismantle this operation.”

“The sentencing today of DARWIN A. ELPHAGE a/k/a “Zero, sends a clear message to all who engage in the distribution of illegal drugs and to those who plague our neighborhoods with violence that we will work together to see that you are brought to justice.  Federal and local law enforcement successfully collaborated in order to put ELPHAGE in federal prison for 120 months as a result of his involvement with a violent drug trafficking organization in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area,”said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley.

This operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baton Rouge City Police Department, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Gonzales Police Department.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kleinpeter, who also serves as a deputy criminal chief.

The investigation is another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program that was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. 

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that BRYAN COMEAUX, age 26, of Baton Rouge, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick to 42 months in federal prison as a result of his conviction for possessing a firearm while a convicted felon.  The Court further sentenced COMEAUX to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

On November 11, 2017, in Baton Rouge, deputies with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office stopped a black Dodge Challenger after it swerved across the center lane.  For the safety of both the deputies and the driver, deputies asked COMEAUX who was the Challenger’s sole occupant, to exit the vehicle.  Deputies saw in plain view a black semi-automatic pistol protruding from beneath the driver’s seat.  Deputies took possession of the pistol, a Smith & Wesson, 9 millimeter.   

In 2015, COMEAUX was convicted of both conspiracy to commit second degree murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “We must enforce our nation’s gun laws to keep our law abiding citizens safe from those who present the greatest dangers.  Armed convicted felons certainly fall into that category.  I thank the hard working professionals who quickly resolved this important matter.”  

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

 

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the conviction of a defendant charged in connection with an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation targeting a drug trafficking network based in Baton Rouge and operating in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi.  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement uncovered an illegal dog fighting operation.  Numerous defendants were charged with significant drug trafficking offenses involving cocaine, marijuana and heroin, as well as violations of the Federal Animal Welfare Act.

Today, COREY T. BROWN a.k.a. “Black,” age 31, of Baton Rouge, appeared before Chief Judge Shelly Dick and pled guilty to his role in the drug trafficking network.  Brown pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 46.5 grams of heroin, 28.5 grams of cocaine and 28.35 grams of marijuana, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin.  BROWN also plead guilty to violating the Federal Animal Welfare Act, for his part in a multi-state dog fighting operation.

On July 2, 2018, Eric Lashawn Williams, a.k.a. “E” and “EZ,” age 35, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 46.5 grams of heroin, 285 grams of cocaine and 28.35 grams of marijuana, one count of the unlawful use of a communication facility, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  WILLIAMS also pled guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with violating the Federal Animal Welfare Act by possession of animals in animal fighting ventures.

On July 17, 2018, MARCO MURPHY, a.k.a. “Big Daddy,” age 34, of Baton Rouge, appeared before Judge Shelly Dick and pled guilty to his role in the drug trafficking network. Murphy pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams of cocaine and 28 grams of marijuana, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.

On August 1, 2018, ED WILLIAMS JR., a.k.a. “Cooter,” age 31, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, and one count of distribution of heroin.

Because of their guilty pleas, each defendant faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, and the forfeiture of proceeds from their illegal activity.

According to documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas, ERIC WILLIAMS along with BROWN were the organizers and leaders of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for the distribution of cocaine, marijuana and heroin in the Valley Park neighborhood of Baton Rouge.  MURPHY and WILLIAMS JR. were distributors in the organization.

During the investigation into the drug trafficking, law enforcement agents became aware that WILLIAMS and BROWN were also involved in an illegal dog-fighting operation.  Law enforcement intercepted WILLIAMS, BROWN and others over numerous telephone conversations regarding the results of dogfights in states including Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi, future fights, the stakes (cash) wagers on upcoming fights, as well as the breeding, sale, and training of dogs for dogfighting. 

On August 24, 2017, law enforcement agents conducted a search at two residences in Baton Rouge and seized 13 pit bull dogs related to dog-fighting activities.   The dogs belonged to the defendant WILLIAMS and five were located at a residence owned by BROWN.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The good people of Valley Park don’t deserve, nor do they want, people like these defendants in their neighborhood selling drugs and using the proceeds to fight dogs for sport. We are glad to bring this organization to justice. This is yet another victory in the fight to rid our streets of wrongdoers.”

This investigation is another effort by the OCDETF Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

This OCDETF operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the FBI Baton Rouge Capitol Area Gang Task Force. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

BATON ROUGE, LA -  United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that JORGE LUIS OCHOA-MORALES, age 49, pled guilty to a single count indictment charging him with illegal reentry into the United States by a removed alien.

On February 11, 2018, OCHOA-MORALES was encountered in the Ascension Parish Detention Center. OCHOA-MORALES was born 1968, in Mexico and is a citizen and national of Mexico with no legal status to live, reside or work in the United States.  He has been deported or removed from the United States on three prior occasions: on June 17, 2011, from at or near Nogales, Texas; on June 24, 2010, from at or near Hidalgo, Texas; and on or about December 31, 2005, from at or near Brownsville, Texas.

            U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement matched OCHOA-MORALES’ fingerprints to previous records and positively identified him.  OCHOA-MORALES admitted that he entered the United States illegally, never having obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for Homeland Security.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Our duty is to enforce our nation’s laws by protecting the border wherever we find illegal aliens.  This prosecution is one of many that my office intends to bring in support of the Attorney General’s Immigration Enforcement Policy and in fulfilment of my duty to the residents of the Middle District.  I appreciate the hard work by all those involved in this important matter.” 

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III. 

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced CHRISTOPHER CARTER a/k/a Christopher James Carter, age 28, of Baton Rouge, to 60 months in federal prison following his conviction for two counts of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). 

           On June 12, 2017, at approximately 10:35 p.m., Baton Rouge Police Department (“BRPD”) officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Tecumseh Street, in the Middle District of Louisiana, relative to multiple shots being fired. A BRPD officer observed an individual, later identified as CARTER, exit the front passenger side of a vehicle and go inside of a residence.  After a search of the vehicle, a Glock, model 26, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, and  two  extended  magazines,  containing  28  rounds  of  9mm  ammunition,  were  found lying underneath the front passenger seat of the vehicle where the defendant had just been observed sitting.  CARTER admits that he knowingly possessed the gun that evening.

On July 5, 2017, BRPD stopped a car occupied by CARTER for a traffic violation. A BRPD officer observed the defendant shove a handgun into the back seat pocket of the driver’s seat of the vehicle. BRPD officers removed CARTER from the vehicle, advised him of his Miranda rights, which the defendant acknowledged, and asked him about the gun. CARTER admitted that the gun was his and that he was a convicted felon. The firearm was a Canik, model TP-9SA, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition.

Judge Jackson noted on the record that CARTER had five prior convictions, three of which involved firearms, and two other arrests which were uncharged that also involved firearms.

Both weapons were surrendered by CARTER pursuant to his plea of guilty.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “As long as unrepentant violent felons choose to illegally possess guns we will be there to enforce the law.  This conviction and sentence is yet another example of how strong partnerships with the Baton Rouge Police Department and the ATF can produce results.  I am proud of the continuing efforts of our state and local partners and look forward to many similar successful prosecutions.”

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “Law enforcement partners will continue to work together towards the safety of our communities by focusing our efforts on armed violent felons.  I am proud of the support we are receiving from our community. We will continue to remove the criminal element from our city and parish by presenting relevant investigative work to our Middle District of Louisiana US Attorney’s Office for prosecution. 

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Baton Rouge Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth White.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the convictions of two individuals charged in connection with an investigation by the Middle District of Louisiana, Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), aimed at a drug trafficking and dogfighting network based in Baton Rouge and operating in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi.  The Superseding Indictment and Bill of Information filed in this matter charged drug trafficking offenses involving cocaine, marijuana and heroin as well violations of the Federal Animal Welfare Act.

On July 17, 2018, Marco Murphy, a.k.a. “Big Daddy”, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, appeared before Judge Shelly Dick and pled guilty to his role in the drug trafficking network. Murphy pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams of cocaine and 28 grams of marijuana, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.

On July 2, 2018, Eric Lashawn Williams, a.k.a. “E” and “EZ”, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 46 grams of heroin, 285 grams of cocaine and 28 grams of marijuana, one count of the unlawful use of a communication facility and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  WILLIAMS also pled guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with violating the Federal Animal Welfare Act by possession of animals in animal fighting ventures.

Because of their guilty pleas, each defendant faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines and the forfeiture of proceeds from their illegal activity.

According to documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas, WILLIAMS was the organizer and leader of a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) which was responsible for the distribution of cocaine, marijuana and heroin in the Valley Park neighborhood of Baton Rouge.  MURPHY was a member of the DTO who distributed narcotics for the organization.

During the investigation into WILLIAMS’ drug trafficking organization, law enforcement agents became aware that WILLIAMS was also involved in an illegal dogfighting operation.  The FBI Baton Rouge Capitol Area Gang Task Force intercepted WILLIAMS’s telephone conversations discussing the results of dogfights in Louisiana, Arkansas and Georgia, arranging future dogfights, wagers on upcoming dogfights, as well as the breeding, sale, and training of dogs for fighting. 

On August 24, 2017, law enforcement agents conducted a search at two residences in Baton Rouge and seized 13 pit bull dogs.  The dogs belonged to WILLIAMS, and were related to his multi-state dog-fighting activities.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Ridding the Valley Park neighborhood of these defendants who sold illegal drugs and used the proceeds to train and illegally fight animals for profit and their entertainment is an important step in my office’s goal of aggressive enforcement of federal laws, be it illegal drugs, guns or dogfighting.”

This investigation is another effort by the OCDETF Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

This OCDETF operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the FBI Baton Rouge Capitol Area Gang Task Force. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar III, announced today the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, involving 601 charged defendants across 58 federal districts, including 165 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $2 billion in false billings. Of those charged, more than 162 defendants, including 76 doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics.  Thirty (30) state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests.  In addition, HHS announced today that from July 2017 to the present, it has excluded 2,700 individuals from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other Federal health care programs, which includes 587 providers excluded for conduct related to opioid diversion and abuse.

Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Azar were joined in the announcement by Acting Assistant Attorney John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Deputy Director David L. Bowdich of the FBI, Assistant Administrator John Martin of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson of the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), Deputy Chief Eric Hylton of IRS Criminal Investigation, Administrator Seema Verma of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Director Dermot F. O’Reilly of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

As part of the National Health Care Fraud and Opioid Takedown, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced new charges against 26 individuals for health care fraud, opioid-related crimes, and related offenses.  The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is part of the joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud through enhanced cooperation.  In December 2009, a Medicare Fraud Strike Force team was deployed in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Over the past eight years, the team has continued working in Baton Rouge and expanded across southern Louisiana.

Christopher Armstrong / Louisiana Spine & Sports

In the first case, a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Christopher William ARMSTRONG, age 43, of Prairieville, Louisiana, with health care fraud, conspiracy to violate the federal Controlled Substances Act, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  According to the indictment, ARMSTRONG was a licensed physician’s assistant and was employed by Louisiana Spine & Sports LLC, a pain management clinic in Baton Rouge from approximately August 2004 through approximately January 2014.  In that role, ARMSTRONG allegedly logged into the clinic’s electronic computer system and, without authorization, created fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone and then either forged the signatures of the clinic’s physicians on the prescriptions or surreptitiously caused physicians to unwittingly sign the prescriptions. 

According to the indictment, ARMSTRONG would provide the fraudulent prescriptions to other individuals, who would fill the prescriptions and return the controlled substances to ARMSTRONG.  At this point, according to the indictment, in an effort to conceal the scheme, ARMSTRONG would delete the records of the fraudulent prescriptions from the clinic’s computer system.  Through this alleged scheme, the indictment alleges that the defendant caused local pharmacies to submit false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE, a federal health benefit program; that the defendant conspired with others to obtain controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone by misrepresentation and fraud, and to possess the substances with the intent to distribute them; and that, on various dates in 2013, the defendant actually possessed such substances with intent to distribute them. 

This ongoing investigation is being handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The investigation was further developed by the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office.  The prosecution is being led by Christopher B. Brinson, a Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division—Fraud Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner, and Dustin Davis, Assistant Chief of the Fraud Section.

Gretchen Duplantis / Spine & Body

In the second case, the court has unsealed a bill of information charging Gretchen DUPLANTIS, age 44, of Prairieville, Louisiana, with two counts of health care fraud.  According to the bill and related documents that the defendant has signed, DUPLANTIS was the owner, operator, and managing employee of Spine and Body, LLC (“Spine and Body”), a physical therapy clinic located in Baton Rouge.  Beginning in March of 2012 and continuing through March of 2014, DUPLANTIS, through Spine and Body, submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) for physical therapy treatments she had purportedly provided to individuals at her clinic.  Specifically, DUPLANTIS allegedly (1) billed Medicare and BCBSLA for therapy sessions when the patients had not received any treatment; (2) billed BCBSLA for therapy sessions purportedly performed on Spine and Body employees, who had not received any such treatment; and (3) billed for treatments that had been provided by unlicensed employees, contrary to representations made to BCBSLA and Medicare in the claims.  From March of 2012 through March of 2014, DUPLANTIS, through Spine and Body, submitted approximately $1.6 million in claims to Medicaid and BCBSLA and was paid more than $470,000.  The ongoing investigation is being handled by HHS-OIG and the FBI and the prosecution is being led by Dustin Davis, who serves as Assistant Chief of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division—Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner.

Mark Stephan Immasche

In the third case, the United States has filed a bill of information charging Mark Stephan IMMASCHE, age 44, of Prairieville, Louisiana, with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone.  According to the bill of information, beginning in approximately 2012 and continuing through April 2017, IMMASCHE conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.  The ongoing investigation is being handled by HHS-OIG and the FBI and the prosecution is being led by DOJ Trial Attorney Christopher B. Brinson and AUSA Demetrius D. Sumner.

Michael Gaines

In the fourth case, a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Michael Dan GAINES, age 65, of Baker, Louisiana, with three counts of health care fraud.  GAINES was a supervisory-level licensed clinical social worker at St. Gabriel Health Clinic, Inc. (St. Gabriel), a federally qualified health center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, which contracted with the Iberville Parish School Board to provide medical services within the school district.  FQHCs such as St. Gabriel could also provide services related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, or Axis I disorders, provided that any such treatment was medically necessary, among other requirements.  According to the indictment, however, St. Gabriel would provide character development seminars and other educational, character-building programs to entire classrooms of students during regular class periods, and then submit claims to Medicaid as though St. Gabriel had performed group psychotherapy, which St. Gabriel represented was medically necessary to treat the students’ purported actual Axis I disorders.  According to the indictment, GAINES and others caused St. Gabriel practitioners to falsely record that students who attended the seminars had been diagnosed with Axis I disorders, and then, after each classroom visit, GAINES and others would create, complete, and certify progress notes that reiterated the previously diagnosed Axis I disorder and described the nature of the services that GAINES and others had purportedly provided as part of St. Gabriel’s treatment.  According to the indictment, during the relevant time period, St. Gabriel’s claims for group psychotheraphy totaled more than $1.8 million.  The indictment charges GAINES with causing the submission of numerous false claims to Medicaid for purported group psychotherapy in connection with the alleged scheme. 

The case is being investigated by HHS-OIG, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by DOJ Trial Attorney Jared Hasten and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica M.P. Thornhill and M. Patricia Jones.

Randy Lamartiniere

In another case, a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Randy Lamartiniere, age 59, a physician in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with 55 counts of distribution of controlled substances (opioids and Adderall).  Nine of the counts involve Lamartiniere allegedly dispensing prescriptions after his license to practice medicine was suspended by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, with the suspension including a prohibition on prescribing controlled substances.  The remaining forty-six counts involve Lamartiniere dispensing prescriptions for Adderall and opioids outside the scope of his medical practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  According to the indictment, Lamartiniere’s unlawful prescriptions subjected at least 25 patients to serious injury and addiction. The case is being investigated by the DEA—Baton Rouge District Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police.  The prosecution is being led by AUSA Paul Pugliese.

Hot Off The Press

In the final case, the United States Attorney announced the unsealing of an indictment in Operation Hot Off The Press, an extensive, multi-year investigation that targeted an illegal drug trafficking network in the Baton Rouge area.  The indictment names a total of twenty-one (21) defendants—Byron ROBBINS, Shanard Zelron BANKS, Reuben Maurice CRAWFORD, Toddriquez Deangelo BRADLEY, Chris D. DAVIS, Michael Wayne BROWN, Jr., Le’Alan Dequan BANKS, Ricky Elvis JOSEPH, Rodrick Demond HARRIS, Charlene Latrice BROCK, Darlene Patrice BROCK, Latasha Nicole BROCK, Nakia Martell BROCK, Stanley Renard LIAS, Jr., Kentrell Dontay AUGUSTUS, Zion HURST, Tremayne DABNEY, Daryl Joseph ADAMS, Jonathan Latard BOOTH, Clinton Keith CHAFFOLD, Jr., and Marjoe SANCHEZ HOLMES—all of whom are alleged to be residents of Baton Rouge, Zachary, Baker, and River Ridge, Louisiana.

The sixty-eight (68) count indictment charges the defendants with a wide variety of offenses, such as conspiracy; distribution of heroin, furanyl fentanyl, methamphetamine, and clonazolam; distribution of counterfeit substances; possession of punches and dies for counterfeiting controlled substances; and several additional controlled substance offenses.  The indictment also charges several defendants with possession of firearms by convicted felons, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes, engaging in unlawful monetary transactions, and failure to file IRS Form 8300s.  The ongoing investigation is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le.

The extensive investigation was led by the DEA, working in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigations Division, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police, with valuable assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.  This operation was conducted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. 

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.  The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged more than 3,700 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $14 billion.  In Baton Rouge, since 2009, the Baton Rouge-based Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged more than 90 defendants with health care fraud and related offenses, achieving a 95% conviction rate. 

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated: “Today’s historic announcement illustrates the top to bottom commitment by those in the U.S. Department of Justice to fight healthcare fraud and the opioid epidemic.  My office shares this commitment and dedication, as illustrated by the successful results we have secured with our outstanding federal, state, and local partners. The South Louisiana Healthcare Fraud Strike Force started in 2009 and continues to be an enormous success in rooting out fraudsters stealing off the backs of hard-working taxpayers, the elderly, and the infirm.  I commend our prosecutors and our strike force partners – the U.S. DOJ Fraud Section, HHS-OIG, FBI, and Attorney General Landry’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit – for their tenacity in bringing the cheats and the scammers to justice.  I similarly applaud the outstanding efforts of our many federal, state, and local partners who have joined us in the ongoing battle against an opioid epidemic that has touched far too many lives in our communities.  In particular, today’s announcement highlights the extraordinary efforts of the DEA in working with our office and our state and local partners to combat opioid trafficking.  Score one for the good guys today.  Our fight continues tomorrow.”   

Special Agent-in-Charge C.J. Porter of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Dallas Regional Office, stated, “This takedown is a warning to fraudsters and to those who illegally obtain and distribute opioid drugs that their crimes will be uncovered.” “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will work to ensure that criminals who orchestrate these schemes are brought to justice.”

Eric J. Rommal, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New Orleans Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, stated, “Countless Americans are dependent on Medicare and Medicaid as a means to receive essential medical care.  Unfortunately, there are individuals and entities who aim to abuse and exploit these programs in the name of greed and selfishness.  The FBI, alongside our local, state, and federal partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who commit this fraud especially as it pertains to the ever growing abuse of opioid prescriptions.”

“Today our nation is experiencing a deadly drug epidemic made possible by violent drug traffickers and prescription drug diversion,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “The arrests made over the course of these operations, include doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as street-level dealers.  DEA is committed to stopping the abuse of prescription pills at every level. The announcement today should signal to those in the medical community and elsewhere that we will aggressively seek to prosecute anyone who violates our drug laws.  These drug traffickers will be brought to justice thanks to the cooperative success of this investigation with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry stated, “Medicaid fraud is a devastating crime that steals from our taxpayers and jeopardizes care for our vulnerable who really need assistance. Following our joint investigation with HHS-OIG and the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office was able to achieve an indictment against Mr. Gaines for his alleged illegal activity. I applaud my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for working to uncover fraudsters and U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin for joining us to bring criminals to justice.”

NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by the Grand Jury.  The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the conviction of an illegal alien who coerced and enticed a child victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct and send him images of such conduct over the internet.  The defendant, VICTOR ZELAYA-FUNEZ, a Honduran national residing in Zachary, Louisiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 12, 2017 and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) and (3), and possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B). 

ZELAYA-FUNEZ, now 38 years old, proceeded to trial on June 18, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson.  After a three-day trial, the jury unanimously convicted ZELAYA-FUNEZ of both counts.  As the evidence at trial demonstrated, ZELAYA-FUNEZ possessed sexually explicit photos and attempted to coerce the victim into taking additional sexually explicit photographs of herself and creating sexually explicit videos of herself and sending them directly to ZELAYA-FUNEZ.  In private messages, he sent to the victim, ZELAYA-FUNEZ threatened to tell the victim’s parents about images of her if she did not comply with his demands; in other private messages, the defendant told the victim he cared for her and promised to take her to the movies.

As a result of his conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor, ZELAYA-FUNEZ now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.  The defendant also faces a significant term of imprisonment for the possession of child pornography count, significant fines, restitution, and supervised release, and deportation following his release from federal prison.

ZELAYA-FUNEZ also faces a separate federal indictment charging him with illegal re-entry into the United States by a removed alien.  Both indictments were returned in the Middle District of Louisiana.

United States Attorney Fremin stated, “The aggressive prosecution of illegal aliens engaged in the sexual exploitation of children is a top priority of the U.S. Department of Justice generally and this office in particular.  I commend the victim for her incredible courage and strength throughout these proceedings, and I thank the jury for their considered and thoughtful decision.  I also greatly appreciate the outstanding efforts of the prosecutors and agents who worked tirelessly to bring this defendant to justice.”    

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rezaei and Assistant United States Attorney Rene I. Salomon, who serves as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the convictions of nine individuals charged in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking network based in Ascension Parish and operating in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.  The indictment filed in this matter charged significant drug trafficking offenses involving cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. 

Last week, each of the following defendants appeared before Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson and pled guilty for their roles in the drug trafficking network:

• Arthur Johnson, Jr., a.k.a. “Nelson Howard,” “Wood,” and “Dread,” age 42, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, CEO of “Ruff-n-Rugged Entertainment” in Geismar, Louisiana, pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and 100 grams or more of heroin, and 16 counts of unlawful use of a communication facility.

• Lorenza Benitez Alday, a.k.a. “Old Woman,” “Old Lady,” and “Old Girl,” age 52, of Gonzales, Louisiana, pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 5 counts of unlawful use of a communication facility.

• Tom Christmas III, a.k.a. “Bald Head” and “Tom Jr.,” age 42, of Geismar, Louisiana, pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and 100 grams or more of heroin and 4 counts of unlawful use of a communication facility.

• Rodolfo De La Cruz Alday, age 45, of Gonzales, Louisiana, pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

• Norberto Aaron Bejarano, age 31, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty to 1 count of distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine.

• Reginald Jackson, a.k.a. “Lemonhead,” age 45, of Geismar, Louisiana, pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.

• Ramsey Everett, a.k.a. “Ram,” age 31, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, pled guilty to 1 count of misprision of a felony drug offense.

• Stephen Keys, a.k.a. “Bad Ass,” age 33, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. 
• Sigmund Lewis, a.k.a. “Sig,” age 42, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, pled guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

As a result of their guilty pleas, each defendant faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, and the forfeiture of proceeds from their illegal activity.

According to documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas, Arthur Johnson was the organizer and leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin in and around Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Ascension Parish, Louisiana.  Tom Christmas was Johnson’s second-in-command, supervising the criminal enterprise’s daily activities and collecting proceeds from the illegal sale of drugs by lower-level members of the DTO, including Jackson, Keys, Lewis, and Ramsey.  Norberto Bejarano, and other couriers, transported cocaine from Texas to the Aldays’ residence in Gonzales, Louisiana.  Lorenza and Rodolfo Alday thereafter supplied cocaine to Johnson for further distribution in and around Ascension Parish and Hattiesburg. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Our goal is to make our communities safe – taking multi kilo level drug dealers and their cronies off the street does just that.  Our office will continue to aggressively pursue drug traffickers using all legal means available.  I commend the FBI, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and all of the other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who contributed to this important matter.”

This investigation is another effort by the OCDETF Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

This OCDETF operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the FBI Baton Rouge Capitol Area Gang Task Force, which is an FBI Safe Street Task Force that includes the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and Baton Rouge Police Department; the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office; the FBI Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Resident Agency; and the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced WALTER GLENN of Connecticut to one hundred and twenty (120) months in federal prison for his leading role in a prolific identify theft scheme.  This sentencing follows GLENN being convicted by a federal jury of all charges against him after a weeklong trial in December. 

The evidence at trial demonstrated that GLENN and others obtained and possessed the personal identifying information of more than four hundred individual victims and used the information to create fraudulent identification cards and counterfeit checks. From January 2014 through August 2015, GLENN and his coconspirators traveled across the country in rental vehicles and attempted to cash 833 counterfeit checks worth more than $2,000,000 at more than 450 Walmart stores in 23 states, resulting in a loss to Walmart of almost $1,000,000. 

In December 2017, the jury unanimously found the defendant guilty of access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to make and pass counterfeit checks, produce fraudulent identification documents, and use unauthorized access devices.  Following the verdicts, the Court revoked GLENN’s bond and remanded GLENN to the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service.

United States Attorney Fremin stated, “Our identities and reputations are sacred.  We will continue to aggressively defend and protect individuals, companies, and other entities from new-age organized crime leaders, like this defendant, whose schemes to steal and defraud wreak havoc on so many across the country and the world.  Such criminals should take a lesson from this 10-year sentence:  stealing the identities of honest and hard-working people will result in very real and serious consequences.  I commend the excellent work of all of the prosecutors and agents who have worked on this matter, and I am especially appreciative of the successful teamwork demonstrated by the seven different law enforcement agencies who contributed to this successful investigation and prosecution.”

This multi-jurisdictional investigation was led by the United States Secret Service, which received valuable assistance from the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Garland Police Department in Garland, Texas.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Patricia Jones, Kevin R. Sanchez, and Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced COLIN KNOX, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 30 years in prison.  The defendant was convicted on all charges related to his role as a member of a large-scale and violent drug trafficking organization following a six-day jury trial in March. 

The evidence at trial demonstrated that KNOX’s role in the organization was as an enforcer who used violence and threats of violence to protect Kelly Williams and the drug trafficking organization.  On at least two occasions, KNOX attempted to obtain firearms and an untraceable vehicle to locate and harm others that were involved in disputes with Williams.   

KNOX was the final defendant of 38 defendants convicted in Operation Third World, an extensive investigation that dismantled a violent drug trafficking network primarily operating out of Baton Rouge and Ascension Parish.  His co-defendant, Demitoris Alexander, was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 7, 2018.

KNOX is currently serving a 10-year sentence for a 2015 conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which was prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.  At the time that KNOX committed the offense, he was still under supervision after serving a 96-month sentence, imposed in the same court, for a 2004 conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “This 30 year sentence turns last page in the final chapter of a career of violence and drug peddling for Mr. Knox. East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and the surrounding communities are better for it. I salute the outstanding efforts of the numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who joined forces yet again to effectively combat a violent drug trafficking organization. Special thanks for the hard work and dedication of our prosecutors who spent countless hours in this extremely important matter.”

“The sentencing today of Collin Knox sends a clear message to all who engage in the distribution of illegal drugs and to those who plague our neighborhoods with violence that we will work together to see that you are brought to justice.  Federal and local law enforcement successfully collaborated in order to put Knox in federal prison for 30 years as a result of his involvement with a violent drug trafficking organization in Baton Rouge,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley.

The investigation is another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. 

Operation Third World was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baton Rouge City Police Department, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Gonzales Police Department, and the Baker Police Department.  This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Criminal Chief Jennifer Kleinpeter and Assistant United States Attorney Adam Ptashkin.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a federal jury has convicted JOSHUAL HILTON, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of drug trafficking and firearm violations.  Earlier this afternoon, after a two and a half day trial, the jury unanimously returned guilty verdicts on all three counts presented at trial, namely, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, marijuana and promethazine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

As the evidence at trial demonstrated, HILTON distributed methamphetamine, marijuana and promethazine in a Baton Rouge neighborhood near Sherwood Forest Boulevard.  A search warrant executed at his residence on Silverest Drive on September 22, 2016, resulted in the seizure of two kilograms of methamphetamine, over 5 pounds of marijuana, and 20 bottles of promethazine syrup.  Law enforcement officers also recovered a stolen loaded Glock .40 semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and over $36,000 in drug proceeds.   HILTON led police on a high-speed chase through neighborhoods near St. Thomas More School, tossing drugs out of the window as he fled, prior to his arrest.

As a result of his convictions and a sentencing enhancement based upon prior drug convictions, HILTON faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “The evidence clearly showed that Mr. Hilton is an unrepentant drug dealer who continued to ply a very dangerous trade in our community.  Today reaffirms, yet again, that armed drug traffickers will find no safe quarter in our communities – and certainly not in federal court.  I applaud the thoughtful decisions of the unanimous jury, and the excellent work of the prosecutors and the federal and local law enforcement agencies who worked seamlessly together to bring this drug trafficker to justice.  Our collective work to make our communities safer must and will continue with vigor.”

ATF New Orleans Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Powell stated, “With today’s guilty verdict, the armed drug traffickers that prey on our communities should be nervous.  ATF, along with our state and local law enforcement partners, will pursue these violent criminals until they are removed from our neighborhoods for good.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The investigation received valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Criminal Chief Jennifer Kleinpeter and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rezaei.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that LISA ELIZABETH CORONA, 37, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury charging her with submitting false claims to the United States and theft of $30,644 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in relation to the 2016 flooding that affected numerous local areas, to include Livingston Parish.

Following the 2016 flooding that affected 12 parishes in south Louisiana, FEMA funds were available to people who had emergency needs for food, shelter, and clothing because of the flood.  In order to qualify for assistance based on home ownership, an individual must have, among other things, resided in the home at the time of the storm.

According to the indictment, CORONA is alleged to have submitted a false application for FEMA assistance for a Denham Springs residence where she did not reside at the time of the August 2016 flooding.  In her application, she is also alleged to have lied in asserting that, because of the damage to the Denham Springs residence, she had emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

“Federal disaster assistance funds are designated for the aid of individuals affected by a disaster, and with the intent to return these individuals to the lives they lived before being victimized by disasters,” said U.S. Attorney Fremin.  “The theft of these funds by criminals results in losses not only to the federal government, but also to actual disaster victims.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, together with the National Center for Disaster Fraud and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue diligent efforts to prosecute those who seek to steal disaster assistance funds and impair the Federal Government’s ability to assist true victims of a disaster.”

Special Agent in Charge David Green, Houston Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, stated, “Working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the OIG will continue our commitment to identify and aggressively investigate all allegations of fraud to protect the integrity of FEMA programs funded by the taxpayer.   Theft of funds from DHS programs intended to help those in need will not be tolerated.”

Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721.  The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov.  Learn more about the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced DEMITORIS “Big Tachi” ALEXANDER, age 52, of Gonzales, to life in prison.  The defendant was convicted on all charges related to his role as the leader of a large-scale and violent drug trafficking organization following a six-day jury trial in March.  ALEXANDER was also ordered to forfeit $6,600,000 in proceeds from illegal drug trafficking. 

The evidence at trial demonstrated that ALEXANDER led a large-scale cocaine distribution organization in Ascension Parish that obtained cocaine from Houston, Texas, for distribution in Ascension Parish, Baton Rouge, and elsewhere.  ALEXANDER placed all of the orders with the source of supply in Houston.  ALEXANDER also recruited female couriers to travel to Houston in vehicles with aftermarket secret compartments to transport money to Houston and cocaine from Houston.  ALEXANDER then oversaw the pricing and distribution of all the cocaine in Louisiana and controlled a network of drug traffickers to enact his orders.  The evidence at trial also reflected that, during the spring and summer of 2013, ALEXANDER obtained and distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine to others.  

ALEXANDER was one of the final two of 38 defendants convicted in Operation Third World, an extensive investigation that dismantled a violent drug trafficking network primarily operating out of Baton Rouge and Ascension Parish.  ALEXANDER’S co-defendant at trial, COLIN Y. KNOX, who was also convicted on all charges, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14,  2018.  KNOX faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Today’s life sentence comes as great news for the safety and security of our communities and reflects the harsh consequences that await violent drug traffickers in the Middle District of Louisiana.  As the leader of a large-scale and violent drug trafficking organization, this defendant spent years wreaking havoc in the lives of many throughout our district, fairly earning him the punishment he received today.  I commend the outstanding efforts of the many agents and prosecutors who worked diligently on this important matter.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley stated, “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug trafficking organizations.  This sentencing should serve as a warning and send a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue violent criminals as well as the drug traffickers plaguing our communities and bring them to justice.”

The investigation is another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers.  Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.  The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. 

Operation Third World was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baton Rouge City Police Department, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Gonzales Police Department, and the Baker Police Department.  This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kleinpeter and Adam Ptashkin.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana Brandon Fremin announced that the U.S. Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.

In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.

"Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.'  When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades."

In the Middle District of Louisiana, two new AUSAs will focus on violent crime and another on civil enforcement.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This is yet another example of the commitment by the President and the U.S. Attorney General to reduce violent crime in our communities.  Adding more capable and aggressive prosecutors to our ranks will allow us to strengthen our already robust efforts against those seeking to undermine the safety and security of our district.  This should be a welcomed development for all honest and law-abiding residents of the district.”

United States Attorney Brandon J.  Fremin announced that Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced ANDREW EASTERLY, age 21, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve 144 months in federal prison following his conviction for transportation of child pornography.  EASTERLY will also be required to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a convicted sex offender upon his release from prison.

This criminal case began when law enforcement officials received a tip that EASTERLY, utilizing user names “youngones” and “littleones69,” shared a number of sexually explicit images of children, ages 5 to 14, to an online social media website.  A subsequent forensic examination of EASTERLY’s electronic devices revealed at least 300 additional images and videos of sexually explicit depictions of minors, including toddlers and prepubescent children.  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials learned that EASTERLY had also produced his own child pornography involving at least seven different victims, ages 1 to 17.  Most of the child pornography produced by EASTERLY was the result of him surreptitiously photographing and recording unaware children in various states of nudity and engaging in private, personal activities such as using the restroom, showering, or changing clothes at his college dorm and at his parent’s home.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Through his despicable and reprehensible actions, this defendant earned every bit of his 144-month prison sentence.  Protecting our children from child predators like ANDREW EASTERLY will continue to be a top priority of this office.  We look forward to continuing to work with the public and our excellent federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue offenders who target the most vulnerable members of our community.”

“Individuals who engage in the trade of child pornography steal the innocence of children and re-victimize them each time the evidence of their exploitation is shared online,” said Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “This case shows HSI investigators are actively working to identity and disrupt the trade of these illegal images, and also to identify and seek prosecution of the criminals who produce and possess them.”

This matter was a joint investigation between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office – Cyber Crime Unit, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced LAKEITHDRICK HARRIS, a 25-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, to 46 months in federal prison as a result of his conviction for possessing a firearm while a convicted felon and possessing a stolen firearm.  The Court further sentenced HARRIS to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

On April 21, 2017, a Baton Rouge City Police Department Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by HARRIS near Ardenwood Drive in Baton Rouge.  After observing an unrestrained infant on the back seat of the vehicle and marijuana inside of the vehicle, the officer conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun between the driver’s seat and center console of the vehicle. An investigation of the firearm revealed that it had been reported stolen from a private residence in Ascension Parish. HARRIS admitted to purchasing the weapon knowing that it was stolen. Prior to the traffic stop, HARRIS had been convicted of illegal use of a weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm, both felony offenses.  On February 8, 2018, HARRIS pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); and one count of possession of a stolen firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(j). 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This case is yet another example of our unrelenting effort to aggressively pursue convicted felons who possess firearms.  In striving for a peaceful community, we must and will directly address those who present the greatest dangers to such peace.  Armed convicted felons certainly fall into that category.  I commend those in my office, the ATF, and the BRPD who worked together on this important matter.”   

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to provide a safe environment for everyone to live.  ATF is proud to work with the United States Attorney’s Office to take a potentially violent offender from our streets and neighborhoods.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Baton Rouge Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a federal jury has unanimously convicted three Louisiana residents of insider trading in connection with the acquisition of the Shaw Group, after a three-week jury trial before United States District Judge John W. deGravelles in the Middle District of Louisiana. 

KELLY LIU, age 32, SALVADOR RUSSO, III, age 35, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and VICTORY HO, age 38, of Morgan City, Louisiana, have been convicted of conspiracy to commit securities fraud (insider trading), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and securities fraud (insider trading), in violation of Title 15, United States Code, Sections 78j(b) and 78ff, and Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 240.10b-5 and 240.10b5-1.  Each faces a significant term of incarceration, fines, restitution, and supervised release following imprisonment.  The defendants’ sentencing dates have not been set.

According to the evidence presented at trial in mid-2012, The Shaw Group (“Shaw”) was considering a potential merger opportunity.  At the time, LIU was a Shaw employee working in the Financial Planning and Analysis Department.  In late July 2012, Shaw and Chicago Bridge and Iron Company (“CB&I”) came to an agreement whereby CB&I acquired all outstanding shares of Shaw stock.  The merger between the two companies was publicly announced on July 30, 2012 (“the public announcement”).  As a result of the public announcement, Shaw’s stock price rose substantially.

As the evidence established, prior to the public announcement and through her job at Shaw, LIU obtained inside information that Shaw was being acquired by another company and passed the inside information to HO, through another individual, and to RUSSO, for their use in trading Shaw securities.  Thereafter, HO and RUSSO allegedly purchased Shaw securities before the public announcement.  HO sold his Shaw securities after the public announcement had caused Shaw’s stock price to rise, while RUSSO held his Shaw securities, all at the expense of Shaw shareholders and potential Shaw shareholders who were not privy to the inside information.  HO made approximately $300,000 from their illegal insider trading activities. 

United States Attorney Fremin stated, “The unanimous guilty verdicts returned by the jury today should send a strong message that corporate and securities fraud by insiders and others will not be tolerated and will be aggressively pursued by my office, together with our partners.  LIU had inside information that she knew was incredibly valuable, and she violated her corporate duties—and federal securities law—by sharing that inside information with HO and RUSSO, knowing that they would all benefit from the unfair advantage they had over the rest of the market.  I truly appreciate the efforts of our partners with the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the prosecutors and staff within this office, who worked tirelessly to uncover, investigate, and present the defendants’ sophisticated scheme to the jury.  I thank the jury for their thoughtful consideration and hard work throughout this lengthy and complex trial.”

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Eric J. Rommal stated, "Motivated by greed and self-enrichment, the defendants in today's court case utilized material, non-public information and dishonest tactics in order to manipulate the securities market.  The jury's decision should send a clear message that anyone who uses insider information for profit will not be tolerated. The FBI New Orleans Field Office will continue to use all available resources to end this behavior. The FBI, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney's Office, and our federal, state, and local partners, will investigate and prosecute all forms of white-collar crime in Louisiana."

U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Mason Brayman stated, “This case demonstrates the investigative capabilities of the U.S. Secret Service and the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, specifically the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Criminal Investigative Division of the Internal Revenue Service."

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Baton Rouge offices of the FBI, Secret Service, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Dippel, Patricia Jones, and Adam Ptashkin.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced WILLIAM TODD CUTRER, age 52, to 42 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 from victim investors in an investment fraud scheme.  The Court ordered CUTRER to pay $502,035.09 in restitution to his victims.  CUTRER will be required to serve a two-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.

CUTRER owned and operated West Baton Rouge Credit, Inc. (“WBRC”), a Port Allen lending company that made high-interest loans to individual customers.  CUTRER raised capital for WBRC by obtaining lines of credit from local banks and by personally soliciting investments from individual investors.  CUTRER guaranteed to his victims that he would pay interest on their investments and that their funds could be redeemed at any time upon written notice.  Instead of using the funds as promised, however, CUTRER wrote checks to himself and his family members, and made payments to prior investors who were due interest on their principal.  When CUTRER failed to make the payments he owed to his victim investors, he sent them a letter falsely claiming that because of the August 2016 flood, he was having difficulty collecting payments on WBRC’s high-interest loans. 

In October of 2017, CUTRER pled guilty to mail fraud.  During his guilty plea hearing, the defendant admitted that from in or about January of 2014 through at least November of 2016, he executed a scheme to defraud victim investors by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, promises, and representations.  As a result of his scheme, the defendant fraudulently obtained over $500,000 from victim investors.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Financial crimes and investment fraud remain a high priority for this office, especially when the defendant abuses a position of trust to defraud his victims.  The people of this district need to have confidence that professionals, not criminals, are properly managing their hard-earned living.  We are pleased to see CUTRER’s scheme ended and CUTRER brought to justice for his lengthy fraudulent scheme.  Special thanks to the FBI and the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions for their outstanding efforts in this case.”    

FBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Eric J. Rommal stated, “The FBI is committed to investigating complex financial crimes, including businessmen who steal from legitimate investors who have placed their trust in them.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rezaei.

 

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced JORDAN HAMLETT, age 32, to eighteen (18) months in federal prison and two years of supervised release following his conviction for false representation of a social security number.  HAMLETT was also ordered to pay $14,794.96 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Education and a $100 special assessment.

            As the defendant previously admitted in connection with his guilty plea, on September 13, 2016, less than two months before the November 2016 election, the defendant used the President’s social security number to begin an online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”).  After beginning the FAFSA, HAMLETT unlawfully used the Internal Revenue Service’s Data Retrieval Tool in an unsuccessful attempt to obtain the President’s federal tax information from IRS servers.  The defendant made six separate attempts to obtain the protected information.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Attempts to obtain federal tax information of any American through fraudulent or deceptive practices by illegally using personal identifying information will not be tolerated. Every American up to and including the President of the United States should enjoy a certain level of comfort knowing that his personal identifying information is not being used for illicit purposes. This office, together with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those engaged in identity theft and cybercrime.  Today’s sentence should send a strong signal to those who would misuse the identities of others that identity theft and the misrepresentation of a Social Security number are serious crimes that carry serious consequences.  I commend TIGTA, DOE-OIG, FBI, SSA-OIG, and our prosecutors for their outstanding collective efforts on this important matter.”

            “The protection of confidential taxpayer information is among the most important responsibilities of the Internal Revenue Service and my agency," said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.  “Mr. Hamlett’s sentencing should serve as a reminder to those who attempt to steal sensitive taxpayer information that they will be held accountable.  TIGTA would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners at the FBI and Education-OIG for their assistance with this successful prosecution.”

“This sentence underscores the seriousness with which the U.S. Government takes the unauthorized access of its protected computer systems and the misuse of personally identifiable information,” said Robert Mancuso, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Technology Crimes Division, the OIG unit that works to protect U.S. Department of Education programs and network infrastructure by investigating technology crimes.  “The OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who unlawfully accesses or abuses protected Department of Education data systems.”

            FBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Eric J. Rommal stated, “The FBI will vigorously investigate criminals who exploit government information systems using other’s personally identifiable information, in full cooperation with our law enforcement stakeholders."

            This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the U.S. Department of Education—Office of Inspector General’s Technology Crimes Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case received valuable contributions from the United States Social Security Administration and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Rezaei and Alan Stevens.

 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office—Cyber Security Initiative

 

In early 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana launched a new Cyber Security Initiative.  The initiative brings together resources from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Division, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Treasury (including both the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration), the U.S. Department of Education, the Louisiana State Police, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, and other federal, state, and local agencies.

Through a law enforcement working group, the initiative assembles agents and other personnel from across Louisiana and the region to assess and share information about incoming reports of cyber incidents affecting the Middle District, and evaluate law enforcement’s response.  The initiative also includes a significant investment in outreach aimed at fostering greater collaboration between private industry and law enforcement and encouraging immediate reporting of cyber incidents.  Team members routinely contribute to InfraGard Louisiana, a partnership between the FBI and the private sector that works to protect critical infrastructure.

For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Cyber Security Initiative, please contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rezaei at (225) 389-0443.

 

Residents of Louisiana have an opportunity to safely and anonymously rid their homes of unused, unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription medications, announced United States Attorney Brandon Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

The National Prescription Take Back Day is Saturday, April 28, 2018, at more than 5 locations within the Middle District of Louisiana and over 30 locations across Louisiana.  During this one-day event, federal and local law enforcement will, once again, partner together to increase awareness of prescription drug abuse and provide an opportunity to reduce the availability of prescription pain medications in local homes.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated: “This program seeks to lessen the massive amount of prescription drugs available at the homes of unsuspecting families throughout our district.  Reducing this available supply is an important component in our fight against opioid abuse, and it is something that many – if not most – residents can do something about.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley stated: “The most common way that prescription drug abusers obtain their drugs is from their own family and friends.  We can all do our part to potentially reduce substance abuse by being proactive and participating in the prescription drug take back program.  Removing unwanted or expired medications from our home is a step we can all take to keep our families and community both healthier and safer.”   

Prescription Take Back days have historically been very successful.  For example, in October 2017, the 14th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which involved almost 4,300 national, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners, resulted in the collection of 912,305 pounds (456 tons) of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 collection sites.  The program has resulted in the collection of more than 9 million pounds (more than 4,500 tons) since it began seven years ago. 

The Prescription Drug Take Back is part of a nationwide effort sponsored by the DEA. Containers where unwanted and expired prescription medications may be safely disposed will be at locations across the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area on Saturday, April 28th from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps).  The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

A complete list of locations may be found at WWW.DEA.GOV  by clicking on Drug Take Back and typing in your zip code.

Many Americans are unsure of how to properly dispose of their unused medications and often flush them down the toilet or throw them away. This poses safety and health hazards. More information on how to properly dispose of unused medicines can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration website.