Middle District of Louisiana

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a JOSE PEREZ-BARRIOS, age 46, plead guilty and was sentenced on a single count indictment charging him with illegal reentry into the United States by a removed alien.

The indictment charges, and the defendant admitted, that he is a citizen of Mexico, was knowingly present in the United States without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for Homeland Security. The defendant has been previously removed from the United States on or about January 27, 2015, from Alexandria, Louisiana, and on six (6) previous occasions between 2011 and 2013.

United States District Court Judge Shelly Dick sentenced PEREZ-BARRIOS to twenty-one (21) months in prison and ordered that his sentence run consecutively to any sentence he may receive should he be convicted of a Second Degree Battery charge, currently pending in the 19th Judicial District Court.   

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Our duty is to protect public safety, taxpayer money and enforce the rule of law. 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. 

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin announced today the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment arising from an extensive federal, state, and local criminal investigation into a multi-state methamphetamine drug organization operating in Ascension Parish and elsewhere.

The indictment charges eight individuals with various federal narcotics and weapons charges spanning from September 2014 through December 2016, including a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout Ascension Parish.  If convicted, each defendant faces significant incarceration, fines, restitution, forfeiture, and supervised release following incarceration.

The following individuals are charged in the indictment:

• EDWARD DANIEL BAROWSKY, a.k.a. “Ed,” age 49, of Glendale, Arizona, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of heroin, and three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

•  FRANK H. ASHFORD, III, age 48, of Prairieville, Louisiana, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

• DWAYNE K. BRAUD, a.k.a. “Bandit,” age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

•  JACEY E. BRAUD, age 37, of Gonzales, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

•  RONALD COOPER, age 48, of St. Amant, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

• CHELSEA M. SANFORD, age 26, of St. Amant, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

•  DONALD RAY. SANFORD, age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

•  JIMMY WHITE, age 33, of Amite City, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “Unfortunately the unprecedented number of drug overdoses in our country is not limited to opioids.  Methamphetamine overdose deaths are occurring at historic rates, with increasingly organized and efficient domestic and international operations fueling the surge by providing higher purities at lower prices.  We must and will aggressively pursue and meet the multi-pronged drug threats facing our communities.  I commend the outstanding efforts of the DEA, IRS-CI, the Ascension and Livingston Parish Sheriffs’ Offices, and my staff on this important matter.”

Brad L. Byerley, the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Baton Rouge District Office stated, “Through remarkable partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement, we are making major progress in preventing methamphetamine trafficking from taking hold in our communities.  This investigation and these indictments are a compelling example of that success.” 

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. 

This matter is being handed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana in conjunction with Drug Enforcement Administration, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr. is prosecuting the case.

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.

In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14, 2018, United States Attorney Brandon Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana will be participating in several local events observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, including “An Evening of Remembrance” event hosted by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and a Crime Victims’ Rights picnic hosted by the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office.  

“In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect,” Attorney General Sessions said. “We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week, we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America.”

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana stated, “The importance of our law enforcement mission is most clearly illustrated by those who have been victimized by crime.  Their stories remind us that crime statistics are not mere statistics; they represent real crimes affecting real people and real families.  This week we remember those victims and recommit ourselves to making our community a safer place.” 

Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.

The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 13, 2018, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.

The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Middle District of Louisiana Victim Witness Program at (225) 389-0443.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the conviction of a Mandeville investment adviser who stole up to $1.5 million from investors in a widespread investment fraud scheme.

On March 26, 2018, RALPH WILLARD SAVOIE, age 70, of Mandeville, Louisiana, pled guilty to mail fraud before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick.  As a result of his guilty plea, SAVOIE faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, restitution orders, forfeiture, and a term of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

As SAVOIE acknowledged in court during his guilty plea, from in or about January 2013 through at least March 2016, he executed a scheme to defraud victim investors by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, promises, and representations.  SAVOIE told his victim investors that he would invest their funds in securities and insurance, and described the investment opportunities as a “sure thing.”  SAVOIE also guaranteed the victim investors high rates of return.  However, instead of investing the funds as promised, SAVOIE spent the victim investor funds on jewelry, hotels, and restaurants, and withdrew the funds in cash.  SAVOIE also used victim investor funds to pay his credit card bills and rent and to pay off other victim investors who had previously invested their money with him.

Towards the end of SAVOIE’S fraudulent scheme, a victim investor confronted SAVOIE about his investment.  SAVOIE admitted to the victim investor that what he did with the victim investor’s money was illegal.  Despite admitting his criminal conduct, SAVOIE later told the victim investor that he would never see his money returned if he reported the matter to law enforcement.  SAVOIE also concealed from victim investors that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, an organization dedicated to market integrity and investor protection, had barred him from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sell securities to the public.  During his guilty plea, SAVOIE admitted that he stole up to $1.5 million from investors.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “My office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to aggressively pursuing corrupt professionals who abuse their positions of trust to fraudulently line their own pockets.  I greatly appreciate the efforts of those prosecutors and agents with my office, IRS-CI, the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation who have worked together on this important matter.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, a section of the Louisiana Department of Justice.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rezaei.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Chief United States District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced BARBARO PAEZ-PEREZ, age 48, to fourteen (14) months in federal prison and two years of supervised release following his conviction for possession of fraudulent immigration documents in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a).

PAEZ-PEREZ’s prosecution arose from an undercover operation conducted by the Baton Rouge Office of the United States Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations.  Acting on a tip that a box of fraudulent green cards and social security cards was to be delivered to an apartment in Denham Springs, Homeland Security agents arranged a controlled delivery of the package. Before the package could be delivered, the defendant left the apartment and was apprehended. In his possession was a fraudulent I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Identification Card, also known as a “green card.” 

In imposing the sentence, Chief Judge Jackson recited PAEZ-PEREZ’S significant criminal history that includes convictions for burglary, possession of cocaine, DUI, aggravated assault with a firearm, and criminal damage to property.  PAEZ-PEREZ, a citizen of Cuba, will also be subject to immigration proceedings after his release from federal incarceration.  

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “I commend the excellent work of the local Homeland Security agents and the prosecutor. This defendant is the third successful prosecution from this operation.  Enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws is an important priority of my office and we will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to keep our neighborhoods and communities safe and secure.”

The matter is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Baton Rouge Office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations.  The three prosecutions have been handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that a jury has convicted RENATA FOREMAN, age 38, of Independence, Louisiana, on multiple wire fraud and aggravated identity theft counts following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick.  The charges relate to FOREMAN’s scheme to fraudulently obtain over $150,000 in federal disaster assistance funds from FEMA following the historic August 2016 flooding in Louisiana.

Following the 2016 flooding, which affected 20 parishes in south Louisiana, FEMA funds were available to people who became unemployed because of the flood.  The funds were administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission in the form of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (“DUA”).  In total, FOREMAN submitted approximately 55 fraudulent applications using stolen identities.

At trial, the jury heard testimony and saw evidence that FOREMAN kept logs and notebooks containing personally identifiable information (PII) of numerous people which she used in her scheme.  The evidence also showed that FOREMAN submitted fraudulent claims from multiple locations in New Orleans and the surrounding area.  During the commission of the crime, FOREMAN was residing in a federal halfway house stemming from her 2013 convictions for mail fraud, theft of government funds, and identity theft.  As a result of yesterday’s conviction, FOREMAN could face a significant prison term and fines.

 “We will continue to aggressively pursue fraudsters who are taking advantage of and exploiting vulnerable people who have been affected by devastating natural disasters,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin.  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, is working diligently to root out fraudulent claims for assistance and ensure that government funds are available to those who truly are in need.”  Fremin also thanked the Louisiana Workforce Commission (“LWC”) for identifying the potential fraud early on and working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to prosecute this important case.  “Close cooperation with our state partners such as the LWC is the only way we can truly combat this type of fraud.”

Steve Grell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Dallas Region, of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, stated, “Renata Foreman stole the identities of more than 50 victims, including deceased persons, in an attempt to fraudulently obtain over $150,000 in financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program. We will continue to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to protect those benefits intended for individuals unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster.”

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.  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 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 National Center for Disaster Fraud at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud. 

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pete Smyczek and Fred Menner. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Anti-Defamation League, and Louisiana State University Police Department hosted a Faith-Based Security Summit yesterday for faith-based leaders and their security teams.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “We stand ready to assist community leaders to help ensure the safety and security of our houses of worship.  It is important that everyone feels secure whenever visiting a house of worship.” 

Approximately 130 leaders from faith-based communities across Louisiana attended the symposium that was held at LSU’s Dalton J. Woods Auditorium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The symposium provided attendees with active shooter threat awareness, information to deter such threats, information for development and implementation of security and emergency action plans, information sharing, and risk assessment.  Presentations included topics such as human violence, pathway to violence, empowering bystanders to report suspicious behaviors, pre-offense indicators of active shooters, initial steps in creating active shooter preparedness plans and responses, and available resources.

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin announced that yesterday United States District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced MARCUS JOSHUA LUTER, age 30, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to 52 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his conviction for possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). 

LUTER’s prosecution arose from an undercover operation conducted by the Denham Springs Police Department.  Acting on a tip that the defendant was interested in finding black market buyers for firearms that he intended to burglarize from a residence, on February 5, 2017, an undercover officer with the Denham Springs Police Department met with the defendant at a prearranged location.  After wiping down a fully automatic Uzi machinegun and a .308 semi-automatic rifle with a towel, the defendant joked that he did not want his fingerprints on a weapon.  The defendant then sold both weapons to the undercover officer for $3,500 in cash and was subsequently arrested.  In September of 2013, LUTER had been convicted of simple burglary, a felony, and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.

Following a local news report, a victim who recognized the firearms, reported both as stolen from his residence.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “I commend the excellent work of the agents, prosecutors, and victim in this matter, especially the Denham Springs Police Department whose interception of these firearms before they could circulate on the black market may very well have saved lives.”

The matter is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Denham Springs Police Department.  The matter has been prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth E. White and J. Brady Casey.

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana and Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice announced today the successful resolution of the oldest current school desegregation case in the State of Louisiana, involving the St. Helena Parish Public School District.

In 1952, Robert Carter and others filed this action asserting that the St. Helena Parish School Board was operating in a racially dual system in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  The Justice Department subsequently joined the litigation as a plaintiff-intervenor in 1961.  The case predated the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.  The Complaint under which this historic lawsuit was commenced was signed by Thurgood Marshall before he was seated on the Supreme Court.    

On May 20, 1960, the Court entered an order enjoining the State of Louisiana, including the St. Helena Parish School Board, from excluding African-American students from public schools because of their race.  Since then, the U.S. District Court has overseen the school district’s efforts to comply with the 1960 order and further orders mandating the desegregation of its schools.  Such oversight would continue until the school district achieved unitary status, a milestone it recently reached.    

Judge James J. Brady issued a ruling on April 5, 2016, declaring that St. Helena Parish Public School District had obtained unitary status in all areas except student assignment.  On February 15, 2018, all parties to the litigation filed a joint motion seeking dismissal of the action and a declaration that the school district has achieved full unitary status.  This morning, Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson granted the joint motion, dissolving all injunctions emanating from the action and dismissing the matter with prejudice.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “Today is a historic day for all the people of St. Helena Parish.  The road to desegregating our schools has undoubtedly been challenging and marked by great difficulties, but it is a road that had to be traveled, both legally and morally.  I commend Chief Judge Jackson and his predecessors, including the late Judges Brady and Parker, as well as the parties and their attorneys, for their collective dedication to this important and historic matter.”      

Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division John Gore stated, “We commend the St. Helena Parish School District for satisfying its remaining obligations in this case and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students.  We have been pleased to work with the district to resolve outstanding issues and bring the case to a successful close.”

This matter was handled by Franz Marshall and Christopher Awad of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice as well as Assistant United States Attorney John Gaupp, who serves as the Chief of the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office.

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

Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and United States Attorney Brandon Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana announced today the successful resolution of the oldest current school desegregation case in the State of Louisiana, involving the St. Helena Parish Public School District.

In 1952, Robert Carter and others filed this action asserting that the St. Helena Parish School Board was operating in a racially dual system in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Justice Department subsequently joined the litigation as a plaintiff-intervenor in 1961. The case predated the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. The complaint under which this historic lawsuit was commenced was signed by Thurgood Marshall before he was seated on the Supreme Court.    

On May 20, 1960, the Court entered an order enjoining the State of Louisiana, including the St. Helena Parish School Board, from excluding African-American students from public schools because of their race. Since then, the U.S. District Court has overseen the school district’s efforts to comply with the 1960 order and further orders mandating the desegregation of its schools. Such oversight would continue until the school district achieved unitary status, a milestone it recently reached.    

Judge James J. Brady issued a ruling on April 5, 2016, declaring that St. Helena Parish Public School District had obtained unitary status in all areas except student assignment. On Feb. 15, 2018, all parties to the litigation filed a joint motion seeking dismissal of the action and a declaration that the school district has achieved full unitary status. This morning, Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson granted the joint motion, dissolving all injunctions emanating from the action and dismissing the matter with prejudice. 

“We commend the St. Helena Parish School District for satisfying its remaining obligations in this case and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “We have been pleased to work with the district to resolve outstanding issues and bring the case to a successful close.”

“Today is a historic day for all the people of St. Helena Parish," said U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin. "The road to desegregating our schools has undoubtedly been challenging and marked by great difficulties, but it is a road that had to be traveled, both legally and morally.  I commend Chief Judge Jackson and his predecessors, including the late Judges Brady and Parker, as well as the parties and their attorneys, for their collective dedication to this important and historic matter.”         

This matter was handled by Franz Marshall and Christopher Awad of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice as well as Assistant United States Attorney John Gaupp, who serves as the Chief of the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office.

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

In the wake of last night’s events, United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Our prayers and sympathies are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Christopher Lawton, a courageous public servant who served the people of Zachary as both a police officer and firefighter.  His senseless death serves as yet another reminder of the risks that our law enforcement heroes face every day to protect us.  We will devote whatever federal law enforcement resources are necessary to ensure that justice is served.” 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a federal jury has unanimously convicted DEMITORIS “Big Tachi” ALEXANDER, age 52, of Gonzales and COLIN KNOX, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on all charges following a six-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick, including numerous narcotics trafficking charges related to their significant roles in a large-scale and violent drug trafficking organization.  Both defendants face a mandatory minimum of 20 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.    

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 recruited female couriers to travel to Houston in vehicles with aftermarket secret compartments to transport money to Houston and cocaine from Houston.  For example, one such courier, Andrea Rumore, transported 18 kilograms of cocaine from Houston on behalf of ALEXANDER when law enforcement stopped her vehicle in Port Allen, Louisiana.  The evidence at trial also reflected that, during the spring and summer of 2013, ALEXANDER obtained and distributed over 350 kilograms of cocaine to others, including Kelly Williams. 

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 Williams and the organization.  For example, on at least two occasions in 2013, KNOX attempted to locate and harm others that were involved in disputes with Williams.    

ALEXANDER and KNOX are 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. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “These convictions, which included the leader of a multi-kilogram cocaine trafficking group and an ‘enforcer’ involved in a chilling murder plot and other violence, deliver a devastating blow to the heart of a violent drug trafficking organization that was responsible for spreading significant amounts of cocaine and other illegal drugs throughout our district.  Every community and every person deserves peace, security, and freedom from the tyranny of violent drug traffickers.  The combined federal, state, and local effort, which resulted in the conviction of 38 members of this organization, reflects once again the unified front against drug dealers and violent offenders in this district.  I greatly appreciate the tremendous dedication and hard work by the agents, prosecutors, and support staff working on this important matter.” 

DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley stated, “These convictions send a clear message that drug traffickers operating in the Middle District of Louisiana will be held accountable for their crimes.  DEA, in conjunction with our state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to work together to keep our nation, state, and community safe.” 

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.

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin announced today that JOSHUA ANDREW GUILLOT, age 30, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, has been convicted of 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 an unregistered firearm, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d).  Earlier today, GUILLOT pled guilty to both counts before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick.  At sentencing, the defendant faces a significant prison term, fines, and forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition seized during in the underlying investigation.

The guilty plea arises from a tip by a concerned citizen to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (“ATF”), regarding social media postings made by the defendant.  After corroborating the citizen tip, and reviewing GUILLOT’s criminal history, which included convictions for felony controlled substance offenses, the ATF quickly obtained a federal search warrant for the defendant’s residence located in Denham Springs, Louisiana.

In connection with his guilty plea today, GUILLOT admitted to a factual summary which detailed his illegal possession of firearms and silencers.  According to the factual summary, on October 23, 2017, working in collaboration with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the ATF seized 17 firearms, including several high-capacity semi-automatic rifles, 3 silencers, and over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, among other things, from the defendant’s home.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “These convictions demonstrate the important role that conscientious citizens play in removing firearms from the hands of convicted felons.  We are very grateful that this citizen decided to pick up the phone and help law enforcement to protect our community.” 

The matter is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Baton Rouge Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with substantial assistance provided by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth E. White and J. Brady Casey.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted KATHERINE T. CANCIENNE, age 40, on multiple counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to embezzle more than $387,000 from her employer, Engineers & Constructors International, Inc. (“ECI”), a consulting firm that provides engineering and managerial staffing to oil and gas companies.  If convicted, the defendant faces a significant prison term, fines, and restitution orders.

The indictment charges the defendant, who formerly handled accounting matters at ECI, with executing her fraud scheme by, among other things, establishing a shell corporation and bank account under the name Cappo, LLC, which had a similar name to an actual ECI vendor.  According to the indictment, the defendant caused ECI to issue checks and make electronic wire payments to her shell corporation by creating and submitting false and fraudulent documents to ECI.  As a result of this scheme, the defendant allegedly obtained more than $387,000.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “We take very seriously the economic threats posed by corrupt corporate insiders whose misconduct and betrayal often risks the livelihoods of their coworkers by potentially undermining the financial integrity of their employer.  All companies are susceptible to this danger.  We commend the victim in this matter for identifying this situation to law enforcement and thus possibly preventing further fraud against others.  I appreciate the hard work by all those involved in this important matter.” 

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Pete Smyczek. 

           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 that, this morning, Chief United States District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced MICHAEL STANLEY CLARK, age 32, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, to 25 years in federal prison following his conviction for production, distribution, transportation, and possession of child pornography.  The Court also ordered CLARK to make restitution payments to his victims in the amount of $9,000 and pay a $500 special assessment.  CLARK will also be required to serve a 10-year term of supervised release upon his release from federal prison and to register as a sex offender.       

CLARK’s prosecution resulted from two separate undercover investigations – one handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and another by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Cyber Crime Unit of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. 

On October 15, 2016, CLARK distributed images and videos of minors and prepubescent minors engaged in various sex acts to an undercover HSI agent.  Two days later, on October 17, 2016, CLARK distributed additional images of child pornography, including a series of images he took of his minor child, to an FBI undercover agent. 

After law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at his residence on October 20, 2016, CLARK admitted that he distributed child pornography images to other individuals whom he met online, including images he produced of his minor child.  In total, CLARK possessed 298 still images and 333 videos of child pornography on various electronic devices and media. 

The forensic review showed that CLARK’s online child sexual exploitation activity ranged from 2009 through October 2016.  In addition, through cyber tip reports made by service providers to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), law enforcement learned that CLARK had uploaded child pornography images and videos to online photo management and content sharing services.           

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This investigation and prosecution demonstrates the commitment of the entire law enforcement community – federal, state, and local – to work together to protect our children from sexual exploitation.  Today’s sentence not only punishes CLARK, it also serves as a stark reminder of the severe potential consequences that await others inclined to engage in similar conduct.  I am grateful for the excellent work of all those involved in bringing this defendant to justice, including our strong partners at FBI, HSI, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, as well as the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.  I look forward to continuing to work together to aggressively pursue child predators, such as CLARK.”

Jeff Landry, Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, stated, “My office works closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure criminals are held accountable for their actions.  Partnership is an important part of the process and we are glad our investigation led to a strong conviction by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  I commend Mr. Fremin and his team for seeing this through.”

Eric Rommal, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New Orleans Division of the FBI, stated, “The FBI is dedicated to protecting our children and community from predators.   We will continue to work closely with our local, state and federal partners to identify, investigate and arrest those who pose a threat to children.  This investigation, prosecution and sentence demonstrates that commitment and coordination.”

“HSI will continue to aggressively investigate and arrest the people who seek to prey on the most vulnerable in our society,” said Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the New Orleans Division of HSI.  “Thanks to our efforts with HSI Portland, Maine and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office we’ve ensured Clark will be held accountable for his crimes.”

This matter was investigated by HSI, FBI, and the Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, with assistance from the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Livingston Parish District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Cam T. Le prosecuted this case. 

These federal charges are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  Click on the “Resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a lengthy federal investigation into an extensive drug trafficking network based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has resulted in the return of three grand jury indictments charging forty-one (41) separate individuals in more than 80 counts with narcotics and firearms-related offenses.  As discussed in more detail below, the defendants are charged with conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base, and several of the defendants are charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.  If convicted, the defendants face significant terms of imprisonment, significant fines, restitution, and forfeiture.

The indictments are the product of a long-term investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as part of the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Task Force (OCDETF).  The investigation has received 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.

United States v. Travis R. James et al., Criminal No. 18-21-SDD-RLB

In the first case, the grand jury has charged fifteen (15) defendants, including TRAVIS R. JAMES, TROY L. JAMES, HARRIS HAMPTON, III, JOSHUA J.  MANSION, SIDNEY L. JARVIS, D’MARI D. HARDING, KIM K. MURPHY, YASCIA N. LAFRANCE, CARL W. RICHARD, JR., MELVIN A. JACOBS, MICHAEL D. NELSON, ANTHONY DUPARD, CORNELIUS J. CARTER, COREY L. KING, and BRIAN W. HOLLINGSWORTH.  All of the defendants are residents of Louisiana, with most residing in the Baton Rouge area, with the exception of KING and HOLLINGSWORTH, who are residents of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The defendants face twenty-eight (28) counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine and cocaine base; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and the unlawful use of communication facilities in facilitating the commission of the drug trafficking crimes referenced above. 

United States v. James C. Hull et al., Criminal No. 18-22-JWD-EWD

In the second case, the grand jury has charged five defendants, including JAMES C. HULL, BYRON A. LAWSON, HENRY J. HAYES, DARIUSS SPRIVEY, and BRIAN HERNANDEZ, all Baton Rouge residents.  The defendants face twenty-one (21) counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine base; distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and the unlawful use of communication facilities in facilitating the commission of the drug trafficking crimes referenced above. 

United States v. Cody Stafford et al., Criminal No. 18-23-BAJ-EWD

In the third case, the grand jury has charged twenty-one (21) defendants, including CODY STAFFORD, DUSTIN HENDERSON, BEN HAMMET, SAM E. 0KINAMORE, BRITTANY P. YOUNG, WILLIAM W. LIPSCOMB, FRANK W. LIPSCOMB, ASHLEY L. IMPSON, SHANNON E. JOHNSON, SAMUEL RICHARDSON, BRIAN N. DANNA, HEATHER R. WEBBER, DALE ODOM, GREGORY A. LOLLIS, BRANDON S. KINAMORE, ROBERT T. SANDERS, JENNIFER LEVITE, JOBY V. LETARD, STACY TAYLOR, JOHNNY MASON, and SHAYLA T. PAYNE, all of Baton Rouge.

The Indictment includes thirty-four (34) counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base; possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and the unlawful use of communication facilities in facilitating the commission of the drug trafficking crimes referenced above. 

***

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This office, along with our federal, state and local partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who engage in the illegal trafficking of drugs in our district. This type of behavior destroys our communities and the lives of our people one deal at a time and it will not be tolerated. These indictments send a strong message to those who continue to poison our communities that we will not sit idly by while you conduct business.”

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 are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Piedrahita and Cal Leipold, with valuable assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Sanchez, Brad Casey, and Elizabeth White.

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 that he will join numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement leaders in announcing a significant law enforcement action on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. CST in Conference Room C of the United States Attorney’s Office, located at 777 Florida Street, Suite 208, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Press should plan to arrive at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and be in place by 9:30 a.m. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that a federal jury unanimously convicted DEARIEUS DUHEART, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841, following a trial before visiting U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.  The jury acquitted the defendant on two gun-related charges.  As a result of his conviction, the defendant faces a term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, forfeiture of assets, and a fine. 

The evidence at trial reflected that law enforcement discovered the defendant, Jornell Keelen, and Derrick Keelen in a residence, sitting at a table, with packaged marijuana and a gun in close proximity.  All three have now been convicted based on that discovery, with Jornell Keelen and Derrick Keelen having plead guilty before trial. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Individuals who represent a clear and present danger to the people of this community will be prioritized for federal investigation and prosecution on whatever charges are available and appropriate.  Such individuals should be on notice that federal, state, and local authorities are working closely together, and with members of the community and other partners, to identify and neutralize the small number of people who threaten our peace and security.  I applaud the tremendous efforts of the ATF, BRPD, and our prosecutors and staff who handled this important matter.”

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 Rene Salomon and Cal Leipold.

Brandon J. Fremin has taken the oath of office and begun serving as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana.  Mr. Fremin was nominated to serve as United States Attorney by President Trump last Fall and confirmed by the United States Senate last week.

Mr. Fremin is a career prosecutor who has served the community for years.  Prior to taking office, Mr. Fremin served as Director of the Criminal Division for the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General.  Mr. Fremin previously served for more than 11 years as an Assistant District Attorney in the Office of the District Attorney for the 19th Judicial District of Louisiana.  Mr. Fremin also previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Baton Rouge, where he prosecuted drug trafficking crimes, crimes of violence, and immigration matters.  Mr. Fremin is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having enlisted in the Marines in 1994 and serving until 2002, when he was honorably discharged as a platoon sergeant.  Mr. Fremin received his B.A., cum laude, from Southeastern Louisiana University, and his J.D. from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “The Middle District has an office of exceptionally talented people and I look forward to working with them and our federal, state, and local partners, and the community, in order to make Louisiana a better place to live and raise our families.”

Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson, who also serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that JENNIFER J. WEBER, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury charging her with theft of $9,331 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in relation to the 2016 Baton Rouge flooding.

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, WEBER 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.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “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.  The theft of these funds by fraudsters victimizes not only the federal government, but actual disaster victims, too, whose legitimate claims may be delayed because someone else has already submitted a fraudulent claim using the victim’s residence.  The United States 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 seek out and hold accountable individuals who seek to steal 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 in concert with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DHS-OIG will continue to hold these individuals accountable.  Our agency is committed to a zero-tolerance policy when pursuing criminal charges against individuals who steal from the U.S. taxpayer by filing fraudulent FEMA disaster assistance 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 United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that TERRANCE THORNTON, age 24, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been convicted on one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  As a result of his conviction, THORNTON faces a significant term of imprisonment, fine, and a period of supervised release.

In a hearing before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles on February 15, 2018, THORNTON pled guilty to possession of two firearms, a Glock 9mm semiautomatic pistol, and a Century Arms 7.62 caliber semiautomatic rifle, after having been convicted of two felony offenses in 2013, including accessory after-the-fact to armed robbery, in the 19th Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge.

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.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson 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 THORNTON, reaffirm our resolve to pursue all avenues available to keep our community safe.”

ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “Service to our community, through partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, is on full display when we, along with the communities we help, take individuals with ties to violent crimes, such as THORNTON, off of our streets.”

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.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today that Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson has sentenced DERRICK SHELBIA, age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve 20 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  SHELBIA will also be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.  

In July 2017, SHELBIA pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  SHELBIA was apprehended for possessing a firearm after a spree of violent crimes in Ascension and East Baton Rouge Parishes during a one-month period in October and November of 2016.  SHELBIA’s crime spree ultimately ended after he was caught in a stolen car that he acquired during one of the armed robberies, through the cooperation of local police and the ATF.  

SHELBIA was previously convicted of multiple armed robberies and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson stated, “Defendant Shelbia is a violent predator who deserves every minute of his 20-year prison term.  This is yet another illustration of how the federal firearms laws can be excellent tools in our collective fight against violent crime.  I commend the agents, officers, and prosecutors who worked together on this important case, and I look forward to continuing to bring the fight to those who seek to victimize our community.”

ATF-Baton Rouge Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, "Through partnerships with our federal, state and local partners, ATF is able to contribute to the safety of our communities.  The conviction and sentencing of DERRICK SHELBIA displays the commitment all law enforcement agencies have for the citizens of Louisiana.”

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s  Department, Ascension Parish Sherriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cal Leipold.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today the release of the 2017 Annual Report for United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.

The report is available on the USAO’s website at /media/932721/dl?inline.

The annual report highlights some of the office’s public efforts over the past year to ensure fair justice, keep our communities safe and secure, and fairly represent the interests of the federal government in legal matters, among other things.

A former Major at Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) in Angola, Louisiana, was found guilty Friday in federal court for conspiring to cover up the beating of a handcuffed and shackled inmate, and for writing a false report, falsifying official records, and lying under oath about what happened. 

After four days of trial, a jury convicted Daniel Davis, 41, of Loranger, Louisiana, on four charges related to the cover up.  The jury heard evidence that Davis and three other supervisory officers used excessive force against an inmate who was shackled and handcuffed.  The other three officers -- former Captains James Savoy, 39, John Sanders, 30, and Scotty Kennedy, 49 -- had all previously pleaded guilty to various federal charges related to the beating and the conspiracy to cover it up.  At Davis’s trial, two of the Captains testified for the government and described the abuse and the extensive obstruction of justice.

After hearing testimony over the course of four days, the jury convicted Davis on all four counts related to the cover up of the beating. The evidence showed that Davis and the other officers conspired to cover up an incident in which officers had repeatedly punched, kicked, and stomped an inmate, causing serious injury including a bloody gash under his eye, a dislocated shoulder, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung.  The extensive cover up included lying to investigators, writing false reports, and fabricating prison documents to provide a false alibi for some of the participants.

The jury convicted Davis of conspiring with other officers to obstruct justice; obstructing justice by writing a false report; obstructing justice by corruptly persuading his subordinates to lie; and committing perjury by lying under oath in a federal civil deposition.  The jury acquitted Davis on one charge of violating the rights of the inmate by beating him, and failed to reach a unanimous verdict on a second charge related to the beating.  The government has not announced whether it intends to re-try the defendant on the count for which there was no verdict.

“As a Major at Angola, defendant Davis had been entrusted with great power, which he grossly abused by perverting the justice system by lying, writing false reports, and using his influence to encourage others to lie,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute correctional officers who violate the public’s trust by committing crimes and to covering up violations of federal criminal law.”

 Acting U.S. Attorney Corey R. Amundson said, “Although most corrections officers are good and honest public servants doing an enormously challenging and important job, Defendant Davis chose instead to become a criminal himself.  His actions were unjustifiable, intolerable, and criminal.  Our office remains steadfast in holding accountable those who violate the federal criminal civil rights laws and this prosecution of four high-ranking Angola corrections officers should illustrate that point very clearly.  I greatly appreciate the dedication and hard work of the FBI and the prosecutors from my office and the Civil Rights Division who handled this important matter.”

“It is especially disheartening when those entrusted with power and authority in our criminal justice system choose to violate that trust,” said Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street.  “It is outrageous and threatens the integrity of the system.  The Louisiana OIG remains committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and all of our state and local law enforcement partners to root out this sort of corruption wherever it may exist, and these successful criminal prosecutions of four Louisiana Department of Corrections officers are the latest demonstration of that.  I wish to thank Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson and his staff, as well as the prosecutors from the DOJ Civil Rights Division, for an outstanding job presenting the case.”

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

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced that United States District Court Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced former Gonzales District Fire Chief KRISTOPHER JOHNSON, age 37, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to serve 96 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession and distribution of child pornography.  Following his release from imprisonment, JOHNSON will serve a 7-year term of supervised release.  

As set forth in JOHNSON’s plea agreement, the investigation began when law enforcement discovered that a Gmail user with several email addresses, including kjohnson@gonzalesfd.com, had uploaded images of child pornography into an online photo account.  Investigators then traced the user’s Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses back to JOHNSON’s residence.  After executing a search warrant at JOHNSON’s residence, investigators found child pornography on JOHNSON’s cell phone and iPad, including images of children between six and twelve years of age being sexually abused.  When interviewed, JOHNSON admitted to going to various websites to view child pornography, trading child pornography via Google, and viewing child pornography that purportedly displayed the child niece of an individual with whom he was corresponding.  Investigators further discovered that JOHNSON had texted multiple images of children being sexually abused to another individual via a texting application. 

            Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Online child sexual exploitation investigations and prosecutions are a priority for this office.  JOHNSON’s sentence appropriately reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the need to deter others inclined to engage in similar activity.  I greatly appreciate the excellent and hard work of the prosecutors and agents who handle these challenging cases.”

            “The outcome of this case should serve as a warning to others we will aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who would prey on our most vulnerable population,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas M. Annello.  “HSI continues working closely with our federal and state partners to ensure we identify and arrest the perpetrators of these vile crimes."

This matter was investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI), and the Cyber Crime Unit of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, with assistance from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan R. Crosswell and Cam T. Le. 

These federal charges are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  Click on the “Resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced that, yesterday, United States District Court Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced JUAN BLANCO, age 37, a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, to serve 21 months in federal prison following his conviction for illegal re-entry into the United States by a removed alien.

               In March of 2017, a federal grand jury sitting in the Middle District of Louisiana returned an indictment charging BLANCO with illegal re-entry into the United States.  BLANCO had been arrested by local law enforcement authorities and was in custody, charged with using a machete to commit an assault in Baton Rouge.  BLANCO was eventually convicted of aggravated assault and other offenses in state court and, in August of 2017, he pled guilty to the pending federal indictment.  BLANCO admitted during yesterday’s sentencing hearing that he is a member of MS-13, a violent gang active in Central America and the United States.  BLANCO’s criminal history dates back to 2002 and includes multiple convictions for robbery, assault, battery, and resisting an officer.  BLANCO previously was deported from the United States to his home country of El Salvador in 2008. 

               Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Immigration-related crimes involving those affiliated with gangs are a priority for this office, and for good reason:  BLANCO illegally re-entered the United States after being deported, and once here, he continued committing violent crimes in our community.  I appreciate the work of ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations in identifying BLANCO and bringing him to our attention, so that we could use the resources and criminal statutes available to us to assist in keeping BLANCO off of our streets for as long as possible.” 

“This case is a great example of how ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations is working to keep criminal illegal aliens out of our communities,” said Acting New Orleans Field Office Director Scott L. Sutterfield. “ERO will continue focusing our resources on ensuring violent threats to our citizens receive the justice they deserve.”

This matter was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Rezaei and Kevin Sanchez.

Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today the convictions of a local business owner for obstructing a federal investigation and failing to pay his workers overtime wages. 

            This morning, MICHAEL L. LANGSTON, JR., age 47, of St. Amant, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick to obstructing an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, and willful failure to pay employees overtime wages in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).    These convictions arose from LANGSTON’S ownership and operation of Langston Construction, LLC (“LC”) and Composite Architectural Design Systems (“CADS”), companies headquartered in Gonzales, Louisiana.  Through LC and CADS, LANGSTON employed dozens of workers at construction sites around the country.  By failing to pay time and a half for overtime, the defendant withheld approximately $240,388.21 from his employees between August 2013 and August 2016.  

During the guilty plea hearing, LANGSTON admitted to a factual summary which detailed his crimes.  According to that summary, in January of 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (“DOL WHD”), opened a civil investigation to determine whether the defendant was paying his employees proper overtime and minimum pay in compliance with the FLSA.  As part of that investigation, DOL WHD investigators requested complete payroll and wage records and met with the defendant.  In order to corruptly impede and obstruct that DOL investigation, LANGSTON instructed one of his employees to provide DOL WHD investigators with only partial wage and hour records which, at his direction, had been altered to hide the true number, identities, and wages of employees working for LC.  The defendant subsequently provided these false and fraudulent document to DOL investigators during a meeting.  Following this meeting, and for the purpose of impeding and corruptly obstructing the same DOL investigation, LANGSTON hid and removed additional LC and CADS records which reflected accurate employee wage and hour information.

LANGSTON also admitted at the hearing that, at least from August of 2013 through August of 2016, at his direction, LC and CADS failed to pay approximately 150 individuals overtime, willfully withholding approximately $240,388 in time-and-a-half wages, in violation of the FLSA.  LANGSTON admitted that his actions were done, in part, because he was concerned about the immigration status of many of his employees. 

            Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “The aggressive prosecution of those who obstruct federal investigations and companies that evade fair labor practices is a priority of this office.  I greatly appreciate the outstanding efforts of our excellent Department of Labor partners in addressing this important case.”

            This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter J. Smyczek.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that on Friday, January 19, 2018, Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced ALDEN HALL, age 58, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve 30 months in federal prison for her multi-year scheme to defraud the United States Department of Education and steal Pell Grant funds. The Court also ordered Hall to make restitution payments to her victim in the amount of $276,220 and pay a $500 special assessment.  Hall will be required to serve a two-year term of supervised release upon her release from prison.

In the summer of 2017, after a four-day trial, the jury unanimously returned guilty verdicts on all five counts presented at trial, including three counts of theft of government funds, one count of fraudulently obtaining financial assistance funds, and one count of money laundering.

HALL was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Alden’s School of Cosmetology and Alden’s School of Barbering located in Baker, Louisiana.  As the evidence demonstrated, HALL engaged in a scheme to steal government funds by causing misrepresentations to be submitted to the Department of Education. For instance, HALL represented to the Department that certain students were enrolled in Pell Grant-approved programs of instruction when HALL knew that they were actually in programs of instruction that did not qualify for Pell Grants. HALL caused false and forged documents to be submitted as part of certain students’ financial aid packages, and caused misrepresentations to the Department about the number of hours that certain students had attended class and their standing at the school, when in fact the individuals had never attended class. Through the scheme, HALL fraudulently received more than $270,000 in federal funds. Finally, in December of 2011, as proceeds were being generated from HALL’s fraudulent scheme, she engaged in money laundering by transferring criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000 from a bank account to a check issued to herself.

Acting U.S. Amundson stated, “This defendant—over several years—systematically used her position of authority and trust with her students to fraudulently steal funds meant to educate underprivileged students.  Today she has been held accountable for her fraudulent scheme and her efforts to conceal her criminal conduct.  It is our hope that this sentence strikes a chord with anyone else who may be tempted to steal from the Department of Education.  I sincerely appreciate the hard work of the federal and state agencies, and the prosecutors from this office, who worked as a team to bring this defendant’s sophisticated and long-running scheme to an end.” 

"Ms. Hall used her position to willfully defraud her students and America's taxpayers in a deliberate and methodical way, and that is unacceptable," said Neil Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education—Office of Inspector General's Southern Regional Office. "This sentencing should serve as a warning to anyone who intentionally steals or misappropriates Federal student aid for their own selfish purpose: you will be caught and held accountable for your criminal actions."

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Eric J. Rommal stated: “Through cooperation with our federal and state partners, the FBI will continue to aggressively investigate any attempts by persons seeking to fraudulently take advantage of education grants designed to help students in financial need.  In this matter, the defendant selfishly chose to pursue her own agenda of fraud and deception, while jeopardizing the credit of her victims and hampering their legitimate efforts to obtain financial aid.”

Louisiana State Inspector General Stephen Street commented, “This is a case of brazen and calculated fraud that had a direct impact on innocent citizens who had legitimate need for this financial aid.  In our view, the prison sentence was entirely appropriate and sends a message that anyone who steals from the taxpayers had better be prepared to go to jail for it.  Louisiana OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to make sure of it.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the U.S. Department of Education—Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service and the Louisiana Inspector General’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Crosswell and Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that United States District Court Judge Shelly D. Dick has sentenced JOSHUA FINLEY, 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve 110 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  FINLEY was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following imprisonment, forfeit the firearms involved in his crime, and pay a $100 special assessment.

In September of 2016, the Special Weapons and Tactics Team of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Baton Rouge.  During the execution of the warrant, officers saw FINLEY throw a Glock, .40 caliber pistol from a window.  Near the Glock, officers found a Kimber, .45 caliber pistol.  FINLEY, whose criminal history spans more than 17 years and includes multiple convictions for robbery, battery, and cocaine possession, admitted that both guns were his and that he bought them off the street.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging FINLEY with possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  FINLEY pled guilty to the charge in October of 2017. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “The prosecution of violent career offenders with guns is a top priority of this office.  Such offenders often contribute directly to our community’s gun violence epidemic and jeopardize the safety and security of our streets and neighborhoods.  We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to protect those in our communities by pursuing and locking up these criminals.” 

This matter was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rezaei.

             Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced that yesterday Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced QUINTON HALL, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve fifteen (15) years in federal prison based on the defendant’s convictions for trafficking methamphetamine in Ascension and Livingston Parishes and possessing a firearm in furtherance of such trafficking. 

            A federal jury unanimously convicted HALL following a three-day trial in July 2017.  At trial, the evidence established that HALL obtained kilogram and multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from suppliers in Texas and California through the mail and other means.  HALL and others would then distribute the methamphetamine to customers in Livingston and Ascension Parishes.  HALL used a hidden compartment behind the stereo of his vehicle to conceal a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol that he used to further his drug trafficking business. 

            Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson stated, “Armed drug traffickers contribute significantly to the threat of violence in our communities and must not be tolerated.  The defendant’s fifteen-year sentence – which was mandatory under federal law – reflects our dedication to pursuing those who endanger our community with all the tools at our disposal.  We do not seek to fill the prisons, but to deter others inclined to follow the same path and to spare the honest and descent members of our communities from further harm.  I commend the agents and prosecutors whose dedicated work brought this defendant to justice.” 

            This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The investigation received valuable assistance from the Louisiana State Police.  This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Brady Casey and Ryan Crosswell.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that a federal jury unanimously convicted WALTER GLENN, of Connecticut, following a week-long jury trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson.

The defendant had been charged in a Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to make and pass counterfeit checks, produce fraudulent identification documents, and use unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 2, access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029(a)(3) and (2), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.  GLENN is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2018, and he faces a significant term of imprisonment, including a mandatory term of imprisonment of 2 years on the aggravated identity theft count, which, by statute, will be consecutive to the sentences imposed on the first two offenses.  Following his convictions today, the Court revoked GLENN’s bond and remanded GLENN to the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service.

The evidence at trial demonstrated that GLENN and others obtained and possessed the personal identifying information of more than four hundred (400) individual victims, and used the information to create fraudulent identification cards and counterfeit checks that would allow them to engage in fraudulent transactions at retailers.  Using rental vehicles, GLENN and others traveled across the country and engaged in fraudulent transactions using their victims’ identifiers.  Through their scheme, between January of 2014 and August of 2015, GLENN and others attempted to cash almost $2,000,000 in counterfeit checks and defrauded various retailers out of almost $1 million.

Earlier this week, on the first day of the scheduled trial, GLENN’s co-conspirator, THOMAS JAMES, entered guilty pleas to the charges against him.  JAMES also faces a significant term of imprisonment as a result of his convictions in this case.

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson stated, “Justice was served today.  The evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendant was behind a significant identity theft and access device fraud scheme that victimized more than 400 individuals and caused nearly $1,000,000 in actual loss.  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 conviction.”

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Patricia Jones, Kevin R. Sanchez, and Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today the conviction of a private investigator who fraudulently used President Donald J. Trump’s personal identifying information, including his social security number, in an attempt to illegally obtain his federal tax information from the Internal Revenue Service

On December 11, 2017, JORDAN HAMLETT, age 32, of Sunset, Louisiana, pled guilty to false representation of a social security number before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles.  HAMLETT faces a five-year term of imprisonment, fines, and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. 

During his guilty plea, HAMLETT admitted that on September 13, 2016, he used the President’s social security number to begin an online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”).  After beginning the FAFSA, HAMLETT obtained a Federal Student Aid Identification, a combination of a username and password which allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access the FAFSA.  Once HAMLETT obtained the Federal Student Aid Identification, he 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.  In connection with his attempt to obtain the President’s federal tax information, HAMLETT admitted that he knowingly and falsely declared that the President’s social security number was his own.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “My office, together with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those engaged in the proliferation of identity theft and cybercrime, particularly when involving attempts to fraudulently obtain sensitive information from federal government databases.  I commend TIGTA, DOE-OIG, FBI, and the assigned 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.  “TIGTA aggressively investigates attempts to illegally access Federal tax information.  Mr. Hamlett’s guilty plea 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 for their assistance with this successful prosecution.”

“I’m proud of our staff and our law enforcement colleagues whose efforts brought about today’s actions,” 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.  “Mr. Hamlett’s guilty plea should serve as a warning to anyone who misuses the personally identifiable information of others to access protected computer systems for unlawful purposes: you will be caught and held accountable for your criminal actions.”

FBI New Orleans Field Office Special Agent-in-Charge Eric J. Rommal stated: “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our country’s information systems from exploitation and to investigate those who would seek to gain from doing so.”

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, and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Technology Crimes Division, with valuable assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Rezaei and Alan Stevens.

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

United States v. Hamlett is being prosecuted as part of the USAO’s ongoing Cyber Security Initiative.  Begun in 2016, the Cyber Security Initiative brings together resources from various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, in an effort to investigate and prosecute cyber crime.  As a result of the initiative, the USAO has significantly increased the number of cyber investigations and prosecutions.  Earlier this year, in United States v. Johnson, the USAO secured a 34-month federal prison sentence for a former systems administrator who hacked into the computer system of a Georgia-Pacific plant located in Port Allen, Louisiana.

The USAO will continue to investigate and prosecute all those who commit cyber crime.  For more information about the USAO’s Cyber Security Initiative, please contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rezaei at (225) 389-0443.

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced that ANDREW EASTERLY, age 20, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to transporting child pornography.  Easterly faces a significant period of imprisonment when sentenced on March 29, 2018.

According to Easterly’s admissions to the Court in connection with his guilty plea, beginning in March 2015, and continuing until May 2015, Easterly used his computer and other electronic devices to upload sexually explicit images of children to an online social media website, which allowed his followers and other members of the public to access, view, and share the images.  Law enforcement recovered multiple electronic devices used by Easterly to store more than 300 images and videos of sexually explicit depictions of prepubescent minors and toddlers, as well as images produced by Easterly depicting minor victims in various states of nudity and intimate behaviors.     

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Fighting against the sexual exploitation of children requires the kind of dedicated federal, state, and local effort exemplified in this matter. Our office looks forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with our partners at the Attorney General’s Office, HSI, BRPD, and EBRSO to make our community, state, and nation a safer place.  My gratitude to the prosecutors and agents who worked diligently on this important matter.”

“We are pleased that this case, initiated by our office’s investigation, has resulted in a guilty plea by Mr. Easterly for the transportation of child pornography,” said Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry.  “Today’s conviction is a direct result of the hard-work and communication with our law enforcement partners.  Our office will continue our efforts to find child predators and bring them to justice.”

This matter was a joint effort involving 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.

Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today that United States District Court Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced GREGORY D. CHISOLM, age 53, of New Orleans, to 188 months, or fifteen and a half years, in federal prison for two bank robberies and an attempted robbery of a casino. 

Between January 4 and January 17, 2016, CHISOLM robbed a J.P. Morgan Chase Bank in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a Whitney Bank in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attempted to rob the Coushatta Casino and Resort in Kinder, Louisiana.  In each robbery, CHISOLM presented the teller with a note demanding cash, and threatened to detonate an explosive device.  CHISOLM obtained several thousand dollars in cash from the banks in Baton Rouge and New Orleans before he was apprehended while trying to rob the casino in Kinder.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “These convictions and this sentence should serve as a strong reminder of this office’s commitment to keeping the Baton Rouge community and surrounding region safe.  I want to thank Acting United States Attorney Duane Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana, and Acting United States Attorney Alexander Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana for their assistance in working to resolve these cases together.  I also want to thank the FBI, the BRPD, and the Louisiana State Police for their expertise and investigative efforts.  We will continue to work together to pursue those who threaten our communities through their violent and dangerous actions.”

The matter in the Middle District of Louisiana was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.  All three matters are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Smyczek.

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced that United States District Court Judge Shelly D, Dick sentenced OCTAVIO BRINGAS-POSADAS, age 50, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to twenty-four (24) months in federal prison as a result of his possession of several firearms and illegal re-entry into the United States by a removed alien.

On June 7, 2017, BRINGAS-POSADAS pled guilty to possession of several firearms by a prohibited person, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), and illegal re-entry into the United States by a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).  He acknowledged in court during his guilty plea that he illegally possessed three (3) firearms—two (2) revolvers and one (1) pistol—as well as three (3) different types of ammunition.  BRINGAS-POSADAS further acknowledged that he was illegally in the United States and was previously deported from the United States in 2012.

This investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the Louisiana State Police; the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office; the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin R. Sanchez and Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced that Senior U.S. District Judge James J. Brady sentenced BRYAN LEE ADDINGTON, age 56, of Ethel, Louisiana, to serve 159 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining over $8 million from victim investors in an investment fraud scheme.  The Court also ordered ADDINGTON to make restitution payments to his victims in the amount of $5,393,346.63.  ADDINGTON will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.

            Earlier this year, ADDINGTON pled guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft after admitting that he executed a multi-million dollar investment fraud scheme from January 2010 through April 2016.  As he acknowledged in court during his guilty plea, throughout the scheme, ADDINGTON failed to invest victim funds as promised and instead spent the funds on personal expenses.  ADDINGTON sent his victim investors false account statements—often addressed from non-existent post office boxes—and issued his victim investors promissory notes which he had no intention of honoring.

            ADDINGTON previously was registered as a broker with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to market integrity and investor protection.  In March 2011, following an investigation into allegations that ADDINGTON misappropriated client funds, FINRA barred ADDINGTON from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sell securities to the public.  In June 2015, after finding that ADDINGTON had forged documents and misappropriated client funds, the Louisiana Department of Insurance revoked ADDINGTON’s insurance producer license.  ADDINGTON continued his scheme, however.  In all, through his investment fraud scheme, ADDINGTON fraudulently obtained $8.2 million from more than 30 different victim investors.

            Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “For years, the defendant stole from dozens of victims who had placed their trust in him and lied to the victims to conceal his fraudulent scheme.  We are pleased that he has finally been brought to justice, and we hope that today’s sentence will send a strong message to other corrupt financial advisers whose unchecked greed may tempt them to defraud their clients.  I sincerely appreciate the hard work of the federal and state agencies, and the prosecutors from this office, who worked as a team to bring this defendant’s sophisticated and long-running scheme to an end.”

               FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Sallet stated, “The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate complex financial crimes in cooperation with our federal, state, and local partners.  Investment fraud is particularly concerning in that these fraudsters often entice our fellow citizens to entrust their entire life savings to them.”

               Special Agent-in-Charge, Jerome R. McDuffie, IRS-Criminal Investigation, stated, “Bryan Addington lived a life filled with excess and luxury while he robbed his victims of their security, savings, and peace of mind.  Now, he will have to serve time for his criminal actions.  To those individuals who are looking to grow their wealth by defrauding others, know that the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation are policing the financial industries.  We stand ready to assist our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in their efforts to hold fraudsters such as Addington accountable for their victimization of the innocent‎.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s Division of Insurance Fraud and Louisiana State Police.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Rezaei and Ryan Crosswell.

Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson and Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced that another former supervisory correctional officer at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, has pled guilty to participating in the beating of a handcuffed and shackled inmate, conspiring to cover up his misconduct by falsifying official records, and lying to internal investigators about what happened. 

James Savoy, 39, of Marksville, Louisiana, admitted during his plea hearing yesterday that he witnessed other officers using excessive force against the inmate and failed to intervene; that he conspired with other officers to cover up the beating by engaging in a variety of obstructive acts; and that he personally falsified official prison records to cover up the attack.

Scotty Kennedy, 48, of Beebe, Arkansas, and John Sanders, 30, of Marksville, Louisiana previously pleaded guilty in November 2016, and September 2017, for their roles in the beating and cover up.

“Every citizen has the right to due process and protection from unreasonable force, and correctional officers who violate these basic Constitutional rights must be held accountable for their egregious actions,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute correctional officers who violate the public’s trust by committing crimes and to covering up violations of federal criminal law.”

“Today is another example of our office’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who violate the federal criminal civil rights laws,” said Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana Corey Amundson. “We will continue to work closely with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the FBI to ensure that no one is above the law.” 

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Baton Rouge Resident Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick A. Menner, Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

A former supervisory correctional officer at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with the beating of a handcuffed and shackled inmate, in addition to conspiring to cover up their misconduct by falsifying official records and lying to internal investigators about what happened. 

James Savoy, 39, of Marksville, Louisiana, admitted during his plea hearing that he witnessed other officers using excessive force against the inmate and failed to intervene; that he conspired with other officers to cover up the beating by engaging in a variety of obstructive acts; and that he personally falsified official prison records to cover up the attack.

Scotty Kennedy, 48, of Beebe, Arkansas, and John Sanders, 30, of Marksville, Louisiana previously pleaded guilty in November 2016, and September 2017, for their roles in the beating and cover up.

“Every citizen has the right to due process and protection from unreasonable force, and correctional officers who violate these basic Constitutional rights must be held accountable for their egregious actions” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute correctional officers who violate the public’s trust by committing crimes and to covering up violations of federal criminal law.”

“Yesterday is another example of our office’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who violate the federal criminal civil rights laws,” said Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana Corey Amundson. “We will continue to work closely with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the FBI to ensure that no one is above the law.” 

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Baton Rouge Resident Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick A. Menner, Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today the conviction of an Addis businessman who stole over $250,000 from investors.

On October 26, 2017, WILLIAM TODD CUTRER, age 52, of Addis, Louisiana, pled guilty to mail fraud before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles.  As a result of his guilty plea, CUTRER faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, restitution orders, forfeiture, and a term of supervised release following imprisonment.  A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

As CUTRER acknowledged in court during his guilty plea, from in or about January 2014 through at least November 2016, he executed a scheme to defraud victim investors by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, promises, and representations.  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, CUTRER wrote checks to himself and his family members, and made interest 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 reality, however, CUTRER had used his victims’ money to make payments to himself and his family and to other investors.  As a result of his scheme, CUTRER fraudulently obtained over $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Investment-related fraud is a significant danger in our community.  Those who hold themselves out as investment advisors have a unique opportunity to abuse the trust that their investors have placed in them to line their own pockets.  I greatly appreciate the willingness of CUTRER’s victims to come forward and make us aware of this scheme and the hard work of the investigative agencies and the prosecutor in this important prosecution.”

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 – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced NATHIAN D. HOSSLEY, age 51, of Baton Rouge, to serve 78 months in federal prison for defrauding a construction contractor out of over $800,000 in relation to the construction of the Impact Charter School in Baker, Louisiana.  The Court also ordered HOSSLEY to make restitution payments to Bouma Construction (“Bouma”) and MidSouth Bank in the amounts of $261,339.16 and $44,000, respectively, and will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.  

Last October, HOSSLEY pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.  These convictions arose from HOSSLEY’s ownership and operation of First Millennium Construction (“First Millennium”), a local commercial construction company headquartered in Baton Rouge, and Spice Bistro, a local restaurant that HOSSLEY co-owned.

            In 2014, HOSSLEY submitted a bid to Bouma for First Millennium to work as a subcontractor on construction of the Impact Charter School in Baker, Louisiana, in 2014.  During the bidding process, HOSSLEY submitted an application for the job to Bouma in which he fraudulently represented that he had never been indicted or convicted of a crime, when, in fact, he had multiple federal convictions for wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and providing a false statement in connection with a bank loan.  Bouma ultimately hired First Millennium for the Impact Charter School project and the companies entered into a contract for $1,221,163.00. 

Construction on the school started in June of 2014.  Shortly thereafter, HOSSLEY submitted multiple payment applications to Bouma that falsely understated or omitted money owed to certain subcontractors and vendors that he had hired to work on the job.   HOSSLEY concealed from Bouma that he was using that company’s construction payments on personal expenditures and on Spice Bistro, a restaurant he had recently opened and co-owned.  HOSSLEY furthered the scheme in October of 2014 by forging and causing one of his employees to forge the signatures of First Millennium subcontractors on joint checks and lien waivers.  This resulted in Bouma paying his company another $96,125 for the Impact Charter School project, which HOSSLEY quickly used to make a $29,474.34 payment on his American Express credit card and on a $22,000 transfer of funds to Spice Bistro.   In total, HOSSLEY caused over $800,000 in losses to Bouma through his fraudulent scheme.

Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson stated, “Mr. Hossley met justice this afternoon in federal court and will be spending his days and nights in a well-deserved prison cell.  Through fraud, he became involved in a project to build Impact Charter School and then stole from the project.  Because of the defendant’s fraud, the general contractor was unable to pay employee bonuses and the school’s students had to start the year in a temporary facility.  I commend Bouma Construction and the other companies and workers who assisted in this investigation and helped to bring this defendant to justice.  I also greatly appreciate the dedicated and outstanding efforts of the prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on this important matter.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet stated, “Mr. Hossley’s lies and deceit caused real harm to real people.  It’s people like Mr. Hossley that tarnish the reputation of the hard-working men and women in the construction industry, and potentially have a negative impact on out of state companies seeking to invest in Louisiana.  In coordination with our local, state and federal partners, the FBI will continue to aggressively pursue any credible allegations of fraud and abuse.”

The investigation was handled by the Baton Rouge office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Crosswell, Rene Salomon, and Cal Leipold.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today the sentencings of two defendants with prior felony convictions for federal firearms and narcotics crimes.

United States v. Leo F. Haymond, III

In the first case, Chief United States District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson has sentenced LEO F. HAYMOND, III, 37, to serve 116 months in federal prison following his convictions for federal firearm, drug, and other violations.  HAYMOND was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment, forfeit all property involved in his crimes, and pay a $200 special assessment.

HAYMOND was charged earlier this year in a multi-count indictment with federal firearm and drug offenses.  On June 15, 2017, HAYMOND pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute heroin.  In his plea agreement, HAYMOND admitted that he sold significant amounts of  drugs, and that he possessed a Glock, model 30, .45 caliber pistol to further his drug trafficking.

HAYMOND previously was ordered to serve a 63-month term of imprisonment, and a 3-year term of supervised release, following a 2011 conviction for distribution of cocaine base in the Middle District of Louisiana.  The terms of his supervised release barred HAYMOND from committing another federal, state, or local crime.  During yesterday’s hearing, however, HAYMOND admitted that he committed the above offenses while serving out his term of supervised release.

This matter was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rezaei.

United States v. Tarzareo L. Jones

In the second case, Chief United States District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced TARZAREO L. JONES, age 27, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 70 months in federal prison as a result of his conviction for possessing a firearm while a convicted felon.  The Court further sentenced JONES to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

On January 8, 2017, a Louisiana State University Police Department Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by JONES near the LSU campus, but the vehicle did not immediately stop.  After a brief car and foot pursuit, JONES was stopped and taken into custody.  The officer recovered a .9mm pistol near the vehicle, which the officer had observed JONES discard, along with ammunition matching the caliber of the firearm inside the vehicle.  An investigation of the firearm revealed that it had been reported stolen from an evidence room at the old Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.  JONES had previously been convicted of attempted illegal carrying of a firearm and illegal use of a weapon, both felony offenses.  On June 14, 2017, JONES pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

This matter is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Louisiana State University Police Department, with the cooperation of the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner.

***

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “In the HAYMOND case, we have sent a strong message about our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to get an armed drug trafficker off of our streets.  Similarly, in the JONES case, it is not difficult to imagine the real danger the defendant’s decision to flee a lawful traffic stop posed to others that night.  I sincerely appreciate the hard work by the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the LSU Police Department, and the ATF in bringing these defendants to justice.”

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.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office—Violent Crime Initiative

______________________________________________________________

Earlier this month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana launched an initiative targeting violent crime in and around Baton Rouge.  The initiative accelerates the focus on federal gun prosecutions and places an emphasis on using federal tools to pursue violent offenders and drug traffickers.  The initiative brings together resources from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Constable’s Office.

Through a newly-created Violent Criminal Enterprises Strike Force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is targeting and attacking the most violent groups in our area.  For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Strike Force, please contact Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Dippel, who serves as a Deputy Criminal Chief within the USAO, at (225) 389-0443.       

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson, announced today that U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced WADE BARBAY, age 55, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve twenty-nine (29) months in federal prison as a result of his scheme to defraud his employer.  BARBAY was ordered to pay restitution of $1,483,503.50 to the victim and to serve a two (2) year term of supervised release after his release from imprisonment.  BARBAY was also ordered to forfeit all property traceable to the gross proceeds of the scheme.

On March 22, 2017, BARBAY pled guilty to wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  BARBAY was the Director of Shared Services, which oversaw Axiall’s corporate credit card program.  Between January of 2011 and May of 2016, BARBAY engaged in a scheme to defraud his employer, using material false pretenses and wire communications to execute his scheme.  The scheme involved BARBAY submitting fraudulently inflated business expenses of other employees for payment to Axiall’s headquarters.  After the company paid American Express, the defendant directed American Express to credit his account with the funds.  Through this scheme, the defendant embezzled over $1,125,000.  In addition, the defendant’s scheme included negotiating and depositing corporate refund checks into his personal bank account, totaling approximately $280,430.  In total, over the course of a five-and-a-half-year period, the defendant fraudulently obtained over $1.4 million from his former employer.

Axiall, a subsidiary of Westlake Chemical, is an international manufacturer and supplier of products derived from petrochemicals.  The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and employs approximately 9,000 people in more than 42 facilities worldwide.  One of Axiall’s facilities is located in Plaquemine, Louisiana.  The defendant worked at this facility in a financial capacity for over 24 years.

U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “My office will continue to make fraud and embezzlement prosecutions a high priority, as we work to hold corrupt insiders accountable.  The defendant’s actions in this case were particularly egregious in that he betrayed the trust placed in him by his employer and used his fellow employees to line his own pockets.  We hope that the lengthy federal prison sentence imposed in this case will send a strong message of deterrence.”

 New Orleans FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeff Sallet said, "This sentencing should serve as a reminder that the FBI will investigate and prosecute individuals who abuse their positions to defraud their employers and co-workers who trust them.  I commend the exceptional effort of the FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office, and our private partners in working together quickly to expose this massive fraud and to bring Mr. Barbay to justice."

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Baton Rouge Office of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that a federal jury unanimously convicted CHRISTOPHER G. WAGUESPACK, 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following a three-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles.  The defendant had been charged in a Superseding Indictment with distribution of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2), and possession of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B).  A sentencing date has not yet been set, but WAGUESPACK faces a significant term of imprisonment, including a mandatory term of imprisonment of at least 5 years, as a result of his convictions.

The evidence at trial demonstrated that WAGUESPACK used his computer to search for, download, store, categorize, and share images of children, under twelve years old, engaged in explicit sexual activity.  WAGUESPACK then took actions to conceal his misconduct and evade detection by law enforcement by employing anti-forensic software, wiping software, and encryption on his computer. 

Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson stated, “Justice was done today.  The evidence at trial established the defendant as a sophisticated child pornographer with a sexual interest in children.  His conviction contributes to the safety and security of children not only in our community, but around the world.  The market for child pornography is perpetuated by those, like this defendant, who possess and distribute such despicable material.  I greatly commend the excellent work of the prosecutors and agents involved in this important matter, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Unit.”

Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the New Orleans office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement stated, “Cases like this one reinforce our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners.  This is another example of the success of Operation Broken Heart and shows how we can continue to remove these threats to our children when we work together.”

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. Attorneys Jamie A. Flowers, Jr. and Cam Le.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced that yesterday U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced JUAN CARLOS RIGOBERTO-MARTINEZ, age 33, of Honduras, to serve 130 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after removal.  The defendant’s extensive criminal history, including his status as an aggravated felon, contributed significantly to the lengthy sentence. 

Yesterday’s sentence stems from the defendant’s federal conviction on April 12, 2017, for illegally reentering the United States after removal.  Immigration authorities first removed the defendant from the United States on January 7, 2008, after he completed a state prison sentence in Georgia for burglary and theft. 

Several months later, on June 5, 2008, the U.S. Border Patrol found and arrested the defendant in Texas for illegally reentering the United States after removal.  The defendant plead guilty to the offense, resulting in a 77-month federal prison sentence from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.  On December 27, 2013, immigration authorities again removed the defendant from the United States following the completion of his prison term.

 Sometime during 2014 or 2015, the defendant again reentered our country illegally.  On August 20, 2015, local authorities arrested the defendant for three separate robberies in Baton Rouge.  He was detained pending trial on those charges.  While in custody, the U.S. Border Patrol learned of the defendant’s status as both an aggravated felon and an illegal alien previously removed from the United States, resulting in the instant charge. 

The defendant subsequently plead guilty to both the instant federal charge and to a state charge of simple robbery.  On August 21, 2017, he received a seven-year prison sentence for the state charge.  Yesterday, he received a 130-month prison sentence for the federal charge.  The federal and state prison sentences will run concurrently. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Keeping our communities safe from aggravated felons, like this defendant, is a top priority of the U.S. Department Justice generally and my office in particular.  This is especially true where the offender is illegally in this country and had been previously removed on multiple occasions following federal and state felony convictions.” 

This investigation was handled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Brady Casey.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson, who also serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that COURTNEY D. HICKMAN, age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to theft of $26,362 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in relation to the 2016 Baton Rouge flooding.

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.

HICKMAN entered a plea of guilty to theft of government funds. According to documents submitted to the Court, in August 2016, HICKMAN filed a fraudulent claim with FEMA seeking disaster assistance funds for a home in Baton Rouge that he claimed was his primary residence at the time of the storm. At the time of the storm, however, HICKMAN was residing elsewhere and was renting his home to a tenant for 4 months prior to and throughout the period of the August 2016 flooding.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “The federal government consistently comes to the aid of individuals affected by disaster, and with the intent to return these individuals to the lives they lived before being victimized by disasters. The federal government’s efforts, however, are at times hindered by the actions of fraudsters who seek to steal disaster assistance funds that are intended for true victims. The United States 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 to identify and prosecute those individuals who seek to steal assistance funds and affect the ability of the federal government to assist those truly in need.”

Special Agent-in-Charge David Green, Houston Field Office, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General stated, “The DHS OIG, with the help of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to hold these individuals accountable. Stealing from the U.S. taxpayer by filing fraudulent FEMA claims for disaster assistance will never be tolerated by our agency.”

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 United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson announced that U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick has re-sentenced Jeffery D. Perry, age 34, formerly of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to a term of life imprisonment, followed by a term of 30 years imprisonment, for federal drug trafficking and firearm-related violations.

Perry’s re-sentencing follows his unsuccessful appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which affirmed his convictions and returned the matter to the district court in order to increase his original prison term from life imprisonment plus 15 years to life imprisonment plus 30 years. 

On August 19, 2015, Perry was originally sentenced after being convicted following a multi-week jury trial in September 2014 of conspiring to distribute cocaine and “crack” cocaine, distributing cocaine and “crack” cocaine, car-jacking, possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes, and possessing firearms while a convicted felon.

At his original sentencing hearing, the Court found that Perry made his living trafficking drugs and that he did whatever it took to protect his drug trafficking enterprise.  As an example of his danger to the community, the Court noted that reliable evidence suggested that Perry had hired an individual and two young men to set an elderly man’s house on fire. These two young men died later that day as a result of burns they sustained from the arson they had committed.  During sentencing, the Court noted Perry’s cold-blooded and callous statements about one of the arsonists, as he lay dying in his backyard, seeking medical assistance for the injuries he sustained from the fire Perry had hired him to set.

Evidence at trial showed that, from August 2006 until September 2011, Perry led a drug-trafficking endeavor within Baton Rouge operating largely on Evergreen Street, Louisiana Street, and Delphine Street, which distributed kilogram and multi-ounce amounts of cocaine and “crack” cocaine.  Customers used cash, stolen equipment, firearms, and food stamps to purchase in those locations varying amounts of cocaine and “crack” cocaine from Perry.  He used “crack” addicts to test the quality of the “crack” he cooked before selling it to others.

As the Court found, Perry often used violence.  As another example, evidence at trial showed that Perry solicited the assistance of Mark Allen to rob another individual who had been supplying him with kilogram amounts of cocaine.   A few days after this robbery, Perry enlisted Allen’s assistance to rob one of his customers of approximately $80,000.   During this robbery, Allen shot and wounded the customer and car-jacked him.  After Allen met Perry and handed the cash he had taken during the armed robbery over to Perry, the latter rewarded Allen, whom he then knew to be a convicted felon, with an ounce of “crack” cocaine and a Taurus .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol to protect himself against any reprisals the victim or his friends might take as a result of the robbery Allen had committed.

Other Group Members

• On August 31, 2011, following trial, a jury convicted Donald Frank of conspiracy to distribute cocaine for conduct arising from his drug trafficking endeavors, on behalf of Perry.   On March 6, 2012, he was sentenced to serve a time of life imprisonment by United States District Judge James J. Brady.

• On June 16, 2015, Judge Dick sentenced Jermaine Chapman who, along with Perry, had also been convicted of drug trafficking and firearm-related violations at trial, to a forty-five year term of imprisonment.

• On June 18, 2015, Judge Dick sentenced Charles Boyer who, along with Perry and Chapman, had also been convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, to a ten year term of imprisonment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Perry and his co-conspirators brutalized and victimized neighborhoods for years.  This outcome very clearly illustrates the ability of the federal system, in partnership with our state and local partners, to make a real difference against group-based violent crime.  I greatly appreciate the excellent work of the prosecutors and the federal, state, and local agents who handled this important matter.  The recently created Violent Criminal Enterprises Strike Force, with the support of the community, seeks to institutionalize this successful approach to make our neighborhoods safer and more secure.”  

DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad Byerley stated, “Federal, state and local law enforcement have successfully collaborated in order to put this violent drug dealer in jail for the rest of his life as a result of his desire to supply the citizens of Baton Rouge with cocaine.  This life sentence sends a message that violent drug traffickers, such as Jeffery Perry, will be held accountable for their crimes.  DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to keep our community safe.”

Interim Chief Jonathan Dunnam of the Baton Rouge Police Department stated, “This case is proof that federal, state and local agencies all working together to end group violence in Baton Rouge can and will be effective. We look forward to working with the new Violent Criminal Enterprises Strike Force to help reduce violent crime in our community.”

Col. Kevin Reeves of the Louisiana State Police stated, “Robust partnerships and operational collaboration will continue to yield success as public safety remains our number one priority in Louisiana.  I am thankful for the hard work of our Troopers and all of the partners involved in this investigation.”

This matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Baton Rouge City Police, with valuable assistance from the Louisiana State Police, including its crime lab, and the Jefferson County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Piedrahita, who serves as Litigation Counsel, and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Dippel, who serves as a Deputy Chief in the Criminal Division.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today that U.S. District Court Judge John W. DeGravelles sentenced Justin Landry, age 36, of Central, Louisiana, to 128 months in federal prison as a result of his conviction for distribution of child pornography.  The Court further sentenced Landry to ten years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

On March 30, 2017, Landry pled guilty to distributing and possessing child pornography.  As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered Landry to pay restitution to a child portrayed in the child pornography.

Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson stated, “Protecting our children is one of society’s most important responsibilities.  Stopping the distribution of child pornography goes directly toward fulfilling that responsibility.  Distributing child pornography proliferates images often depicting horrific child sexual abuse and rape, thus feeding the market and re-victimizing those children who suffered through the abuse.  If basic human decency will not deter this conduct, we hope that severe prison sentences will.”

Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stated, “Stopping the distribution of images of the sexual exploitation of children is an important role HSI has in protecting the victims.  The coordination with our law enforcement partners remains a priority to bring those that prey on our children to justice.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office – Cyber Crime Unit, and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan R. Crosswell.

INTRODUCTION

GOOD MORNING.  MY NAME IS COREY AMUNDSON.  I AM THE ACTING UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA.  I SERVE AS THE CHIEF FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL IN THIS DISTRICT. 

I AM JOINED TODAY BY SENIOR OFFICIALS WITH THE ATF, FBI, DEA, HSI, THE ORGANIZED CRIME AND GANG SECTION OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, THE U.S. MARSHAL’S SERVICE, THE BATON ROUGE POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE EAST BATON ROUGE SHERIFF’S OFFICE, THE LOUISIANA STATE POLICE, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, AND THE CONSTABLE’S OFFICE.

WE ARE HERE TO DISCUSS (1) THE VIOLENT CRIME PROBLEM IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH AND (2) SPECIFIC ACTIONS WE ARE AND WILL BE TAKING TO ADDRESS IT.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR MANY ELECTED AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE, INCLUDING THE MAYOR, OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE GOVENOR, AND MANY OTHERS.  I GREATLY APPRECIATE THEIR ENGAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, SUPPORT, AND EFFORTS ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE. 

WE ARE ALL UNIFED BY THE COMMON GOAL OF A SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITY FREE FROM VIOLENCE.  WE ARE ALSO ALL DISTURBED TO LEARN THAT VIOLENT CRIME IS ON THE RISE IN BATON ROUGE. 

VIOLENT CRIME PROBLEM

WHEN DISCUSSING VIOLENT CRIME, WE MUST FIRST KEEP IN MIND SOME CONTEXT.   OVERALL, CRIME RATES IN BATON ROUGE REMAIN NEAR HISTORIC LOWS.  IN THE PAST FOUR DECADES, WE HAVE WON GREAT VICTORIES AGAINST CRIME.  THIS HAPPENED UNDER LEADERSHIP FROM BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES. 

IN RESPONSE TO AN INCREASE IN OUR VIOLENT CRIME RATE, LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS CAME TOGETHER IN APPROXIMATELY 2012/2013 TO IMPLEMENT THE BATON ROUGE AREA VIOLENCE ELIMINATION PROJECT, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS BRAVE.   WE SAW THE POSITIVE IMPACT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.  VIOLENT CRIME DROPPED FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

IN THE PAST YEAR, THIS PROGRESS HAS STOPPED.  GROUP VIOLENCE, DRUG TRAFFICKING, AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HAVE FUELED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN HOMICIDES AND VIOLENCE.  WHILE THOSE RATES REMAIN LOWER THAN BEFORE BRAVE, OUR CURRENT SITUATION IS UNACCEPTABLE. 

THE STATISTICS ARE MORE THAN STATISTICS.  THEY ARE REPRESENT REAL VICTIMS AND FAMILIES.  TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR OF VIOLENCE BREAKING OUT AROUND THEM.  TOO MANY DECENT AND HARD WORKING PEOPLE ARE LIVING AS HOSTAGES IN THEIR OWN HOMES.  THIS IS NOT RIGHT.  WE CANNOT AND WILL NOT SIT BACK AND ALLOW THIS INCREASE TO CONTINUE.  EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD IN THIS CITY DESERVES TO BE SAFE IN THEIR HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS.

STEPS TO ATTACK THE VIOLENT CRIME PROBLEM

BEFORE SAYING WHAT WE WILL BE DOING, LET ME FIRST SAY WHAT WE WON’T BE DOING.  WE WON’T PANIC AND ASSUME EVERTHING BEING DONE IS WRONG.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE THOSE THINGS THAT ARE WORKING. 

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE ASPECTS OF BRAVE THAT HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL.  WE CANNOT AFFORD TO ABANDON SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES BECAUSE OF ISSUES WHOLLY UNRELATED TO THE MERITS OF THOSE STRATEGIES. 

WE WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE CRIME STRATEGIES UNIT AND THE VIOLENT CRIME UNIT, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE ENHANCED OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO SUCCESSFULLY IDENTIFY AND PURSUE THE MOST VIOLENT OFFENDERS. 

NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT OTHER STEPS WE ARE AND WILL BE TAKING:

GROUP VIOLENCE, DRUG TRAFFICKING, AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARE THE THREE MAIN DRIVERS OF HOMICIDE AND VIOLENT CRIME RATES IN OUR AREA.  SO, WE ARE TAKING A COMBINATION OF ENFORCEMENT AND PREVENTION ACTIONS AIMED AT THOSE DRIVERS. 

1. CREATE A U.S. ATTORNEY-LED VIOLENT CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES STRIKE FORCE TO IDENTIFY AND ATTACK THE MOST VIOLENT GROUPS IN OUR AREA.
2. ACCELERATE OUR ALREADY ENHANCED FOCUS ON FEDERAL GUN PROSECUTIONS.
3. PURUSE DRUG TRAFFICKERS (NOT MERE USERS) USING MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES PROVIDED BY CONGRESS.
4. FUND THE STATE’S PRISONER REENTRY PROGRAM
5. FUND THE CITY’S BODY CAMERA INITIATIVE
6. FUND LOCAL LAW ENFORCMENT AGENCIES WHO ARE FIGHTING VIOLENT CRIME
7. FUND THE STATE CRIME LAB
8. FUND DRUG TREATMENT
9. FUND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
10. CREATE PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY POLICING, DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS, AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY’S INVOLVEMENT IN ANTI-VIOLENCE EFFORTS.

FIRST, TO ATTACK THE GROUP BASED VIOLENT CRIME, WE ARE CREATING A VIOLENT CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES STRIKE FORCE LED BY OUR OFFICE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL THE AGENCIES REPRESNTED HERE TODAY, AS WELL AS THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE.

USING OUR COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE, THE STRIKE FORCE WILL IDENTIFY THE MOST VIOLENT GROUPS IN OUR AREA.  A TEAM CONSISTING OF FEDERAL PROSECUTORS AND FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENTS WILL THEN BE SOLELY DEDICATED TO EACH GROUP.

AS WE SPEAK, MORE THAN 50 MEMBERS OF THE STRIKE FORCE ARE IN ANOTHER ROOM UNDERGOING JOINT TRAINING.  WE INTEND TO UTILIZE ANY AND ALL LEGAL MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL TO PURSUE THESE GROUPS.  WE WILL EMPLOY TRADECRAFT AND STRATEGIES SUCCESSFULLY USED BY FEDERAL PROSECUTORS IN OTHER CITIES WITH SIMILAR ISSUES.  AND WE WILL DO THIS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ORGANIZED CRIME AND GANG SECTION OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.  THE RESULTS WILL NOT COME OVERNIGHT.  THIS IS A LONG-TERM EFFORT DESIGNED TO BRING MAXIMUM RESULTS OVER THE LONG HAUL. 

WE INTEND TO SEEK IMMEDIATE DETENTION OF THOSE ARRESTED AND SEVERE SENTENCES FOR THOSE CONVICTED.  THERE IS NO PAROLE IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM AND SENTENCES CAN OFTEN SERVED IN FEDERAL PRISONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.    

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF LAW ENFORCMENT IS DETERRENCE.  THAT IS WHAT WE SEEK.  FILLING PRISONS IS NOT OUR GOAL.  OUR GOAL IS TO PREVENT CRIME.   SO, IF WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT REDUCING VIOLENT CRIME, WE NEED TO KEEP VIOLENT OFFENDERS BEHIND BARS, SO THEY CANNOT DO ANY MORE HARM, AND SO OTHERS WILL BE DETERRED FROM FOLLOWING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS.

SECOND, WE ARE ACCELERATING A PREVIOUSLY UNDISCLOSED FEDERAL GUN PROSECUTION INITIATIVE WITH ATF, BRPD, AND EBRSO CALLED OPERATION JOINT ENDEAVOR.  THIS INITIATIVE HAS RESULTED IN THE PROSECUTION OF APPROXIMATELY 50 DEFENDANTS, MANY WITH VIOLENT HISTORY, WITH SENTENCES UP TO 15 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON. 

EARLIER TODAY, JUSTICE DEPARTMENT LEADERS IN WASHINGTON ANNOUNCED THAT PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD – A LONGTIME FEDERAL GUN INITIATIVE – WILL AGAIN BE PRIORITZED IN RECOGNITION OF ITS POSITIVE IMPACT ON VIOLENT CRIME.          

THIRD, TO ATTACK THE DRUG TRAFFICKING FUELING OUR HOMICIDE AND VIOLENT CRIMES RATES, WE WILL AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE TRAFFICKERS – THOSE WHO WRECK LIVES AND FEED OFF ADDICTION -- WITH THE MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES PROVIDED BY CONGRESS.   I WANT TO EMPHASIS THAT I AM TALKING ABOUT TRAFFICKERS – NOT MERE USERS.

SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT WE SHOULD BE MORE PERMISSIVE AND TOLERANT ABOUT DRUG ABUSE.  I THINK WE SHOULD BE MORE HONEST ABOUT THE CLEAR AND PRESENT THREAT TO OUR COMMUNITY. 

OPIOID DRUGS, IN PARTICULAR, ARE CAUSING UNPRECEDENTED DESTRUCTION, WITH 90 AMERICAS DYING EVERY DAY FROM AN OPIOID-RELATED OVERDOSE.  ABOUT 4 PEOPLE WILL OVERDOSE AND DIE WHILE WE SIT HERE THIS MORNING.  WE MUST AND WILL AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE THOSE WHO TRAFFIC THIS POISION.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORTING ALL THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL EFFORTS ON THIS FRONT, INCLUDING SHERIFF GAUTREAUX’S DELTA DRUG TASK FORCE. 

FOURTH, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT HAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO FUND STATE AND LOCAL EFFORTS TO REDUCE VIOLENT CRIME.  JUST LAST MONTH, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AWARDED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO AGENCIES IN BATON ROUGE

1. $750K FOR THE IMPLEMENTION OF BRPD’S BODY-WORN CAMERA POLICY
2. $3.8 MILLION TO ASSIST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WHO RESPONDED TO THE AUGUST 2016 FLOODING
3. $2.4 MILLION TO COMBAT SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ASSIST VICTIMS
4. $91K TO RESPOND TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
5. $2.8M FOR DATA COLLECTION, MANAGEMENT, AND ANALYSIS
6. $1,050,000 FOR PRISONER REENTRY PROGRAMS
7. $400k FOR DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMS
8. $400K FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE, INCLUDING DNA ANAYLSIS

FIFTH, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SELECTED BATON ROUGE AS ONE OF TWELVE CITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PARTNERSHIP.  TOMORROW, MANY OF US HERE WILL BE MEETING WITH JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS TO FINALIZE PROGRAMS TO:

(1)      MAXIMUM THE ABILITY OF RESOURCE-STRAPPED DEPARTMENTS TO IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY POLICING CONCEPTS.

(2)      IMPROVE OUR COLLECTIVE ABILITY TO COLLECT, ANALYZE, AND SHARE DATA.

(3)      INCREASE THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN VIOLENT CRIME PREVENTION.

CONCLUSION

WE WILL TRACK OUR EFFORTS AND ADJUST AS NEED.  IF SOMETHING ISN’T WORKING, WE WILL SHIFT STRATEGIES.  WHAT WE WILL NOT DO IS NOTHING.

WHILE THESE EFFORTS ARE ALL IMPORTANT, THEY ARE BUT ONE PART OF OUR BATTLE AGAINST VIOLENT CRIME.  WE CANNOT DO THIS ALONE.  WE ALL NEED TO BE IN THIS TOGETHER.

THIS IS NOT ABOUT PUTTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE IN PRISON.  IT IS ABOUT SAVING THEM. 

EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY HAS A ROLE TO PLAY.  IT MAY BE TO SPEAK UP WHEN YOU WITNESS A CRIME.  IT MAY BE TO SUPPORT, FINANCIALLY OR OTHERWISE, PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM.  IT MAY BE TO ENGAGE WITH KIDS GOING DOWN THE WRONG PATH – INCLUDING YOUR OWN. 

SO, BEFORE ASKING WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING, WE SHOULD ASK OURSELVES WHAT MORE WE CAN BE DOING.  HOW CAN WE MAKE THINGS BETTER?  I AM OPTIMISTIC THAT IF WE CAN DO THIS, WE WILL SUCCEED AND THAT SAFER DAYS LIE AHEAD.    

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS OUR GREAT CITY AND PARISH.

WE WILL NOW BRIEFLY TAKE SOME LIMITED QUESTIONS.  

BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson today announced various initiatives aimed at addressing the violent crime problem in East Baton Rouge Parish. 

 Senior federal, state, and local law enforcement officials joined Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson for the announcement, including Acting Chief David Jaffe of the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the U.S. Department of Justice; ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Dana Nichols; ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio Pittman; DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad Byerley; FBI Senior Supervisory Resident Agent Maurice Hattier; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Resident Agent-in-Charge Ron Militana; Acting U.S. Marshal Randall Breckwoldt; Louisiana State Police Col. Kevin Reeves; Baton Rouge Police Acting Chief Jonathan Dunnam; East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux; East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore; and Baton Rouge Constable Reginald Brown. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson thanked the many elected and community leaders engaged in addressing the violent crime issue for their leadership, support, and efforts, including Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, our Congressional Delegation (Senators Cassidy and Kennedy and Representatives Graves and Richmond), Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Governor John Bel Edwards, and many others.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson reaffirmed support for the important work of the Crime Strategies Unit, the Violent Crime Unit, and those aspects of the Baton Rouge Violence Elimination Project (BRAVE) that have proven to be successful.  All three initiatives have enhanced our collective efforts to successfully identify and pursue the most violent offenders.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson outlined the below additional steps being taken to address the three main drivers of our homicide and violent crime rates -- group violence, drug trafficking, and domestic violence.

First, to attack group-based violence, the represented agencies have created a U.S. Attorney-led Violent Criminal Enterprises Strike Force.  Using our collective data and intelligence, the strike force will identify the most violent groups in our area.  A team of federal prosecutors and federal, state, and local law enforcement agents will be assigned to each group and will utilize any and all legal means at their disposal to pursue those groups in a series of thorough, long-term investigations.

 Second, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with the ATF, the Baton Rouge Police Department, and the East Baton Rogue Sheriff’s Office, will accelerate a previously undisclosed federal gun prosecution initiative called Operation Joint Endeavor.  This initiative has resulted in the prosecution of approximately 50 defendants, many with violent criminal histories, with sentences up to 15 years in federal prison.  This morning, Justice Department leaders in Washington also announced a renewed focus on such prosecutions, recognizing the significant role they have in reducing local violent crime.

Third, to attack the drug trafficking fueling the homicide and violent crime rates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership its federal, state, and local partners, will continue to aggressively pursue drug traffickers (not mere users) using mandatory minimum sentences provided by Congress.  About 90 Americans die every day from opioid-related overdoses alone.  We will aggressively pursue those who traffic this poison.

Fourth, the Justice Department is funding myriad state and local efforts to reduce violent crime.  In the month of September alone, the Justice Department has awarded millions of dollars to state and local agencies and organizations in Baton Rouge, including (1) $750K for the implementation of body-worn camera policies, (2) $3.8 million to assist law enforcement agencies who responded to the August 2016 flood, (3) $2.4 million to combat sexual assault and assist victims, (4) $91K to respond to violence against women, (5) $2.8 million for data collection, management, and analysis, (6) $1,050,000 for state prisoner reentry programs, (7) $400,000 for drug treatment efforts, (8) $400,000 for forensic science efforts, including DNA analysis, (9) $300,000 to support the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and (10) $825,000 to ensure that those with bail bond restrictions or mental health issues are unable to purchase a firearm. 

Fifth, the Justice Department has selected Baton Rouge as one of 12 cities to participate in the National Public Safety Partnership.  On October 6, 2017, various federal, state, and local agencies and organizations will be meeting at the U.S. Attorney’s Office with Justice Department officials about programs designed to (1) maximize the ability of resource-strapped departments, such as our local departments, to implement community policing concepts, (2) improve our collective ability to collect, analyze, and share data, and (3) increase the involvement of our business community in anti-violence efforts.

The agencies involved in the above efforts include:

• U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana
   
• U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Organized Crime and Gang Section
   
• U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs
   
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
   
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
   
• U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
   
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations
   
• U.S. Marshal’s Service
   
• Louisiana State Police
   
• Louisiana Attorney General’s Office
   
• East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office
   
• East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office
   
• East Baton Rouge Parish Constable’s Office
   
• Baton Rouge City Police Department

Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson, who also serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that Joe W. Jones, 65, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to theft of $13,807 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in relation to the 2016 Baton Rouge flooding.

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.

On Oct. 3, Jones entered a plea of guilty to theft of government funds.  According to documents submitted to the court, in August 2016, Jones filed a fraudulent claim with FEMA seeking disaster assistance funds for a home in Baton Rouge that he claimed was his primary residence at the time of the storm. At the time of the storm, however, Jones was residing elsewhere and was renting his home to a tenant, whose own FEMA application as a renter was delayed because of Jones’ fraudulent claim.

Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson said, “Unfortunately, Louisiana is not only targeted by storms that cause extensive damage to lives and property, it is also targeted by fraudsters who seek to steal disaster assistance funds that are intended for true victims. The United States 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 work tirelessly to catch individuals who submit fraudulent claims for disaster assistance and ensure that such assistance funds are available to individuals truly victimized by disasters.”

Special Agent in Charge David Green, Houston Field Office, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General said, “We all suffer when federal assistance programs are undermined by fraud. This defendant’s conviction should send a clear message that our Department will not tolerate any type of fraudulent activity, and we will relentlessly pursue those responsible for criminal acts related to disaster assistance funds.”

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.