Middle District of Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney’s Office announced today another conviction in connection with a Middle District of Louisiana Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation of a significant multi-state heroin conspiracy involving the distribution and sale of heroin disguised as oxycodone.

On March 9, 2017, LOGAN BRANNON, age 37, of Newport Beach, California, was convicted on all counts charged against him in an Indictment filed in October 2015, including conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, distributing heroin, and conspiring to commit money laundering. BRANNON’s guilty pleas ended a jury trial that had been in its third day before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson. BRANNON was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshal and will be sentenced on June 29, 2017.

BRANNON admitted that, between December 1, 2013, and October 2015, he conspired with individuals in California and Louisiana to distribute thousands of pills that had been pressed to resemble oxycodone that, in fact, contained over 1 kilogram of heroin. Upon delivery of the pills in Baton Rouge from California, they were then distributed to mid-level drug dealers and ultimately sold to drug abusers in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes. Throughout the period of the conspiracy, BRANNON knew that the pills contained heroin, and his intent was to sell and profit from the sale of significant amounts of heroin. In January, February, and March 2015, BRANNON supplied over 30,000 heroin pills for distribution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition, between July 2014 and April 2015, LAMBERT and others agreed to engage in financial transactions involving the proceeds of the heroin-trafficking offenses in order to conceal and disguise the source, ownership, and control of the illegally obtained drug proceeds.

BRANNON was identified, along with 9 others, as part of a substantial heroin-trafficking and money laundering conspiracy investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Tactical Diversion Squad, Baton Rouge District Office, and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations New Orleans Field Office Division.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “This conviction is another example of our continuing efforts to join with federal, state, and local law enforcement to neutralize the heroin epidemic sweeping our country and make our community safer. This organization sold and distributed press heroin pills disguised as oxycodone presents into our district from California. The risk created by such activity is unconscionable, particularly concerning the number of overdose deaths due to heroin use throughout our community and the nation. I greatly appreciate the hardworking team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents and prosecutors who handled this important and impactful case.”

“The successful prosecution of the members of this drug trafficking organization should be a warning to others who engage in this type of activity,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “This case highlights the impact multiple agencies can have when they join forces. We will continue to work together and pursue those who threaten our communities through the smuggling and distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs and bring them to justice.”

Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS – Criminal Investigation New Orleans Field Office, stated: “The prosecution of these individuals is a victory in the ongoing war against drugs. It is our extreme honor to serve alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. It is vital to follow the money of illicit drug activity. Adding the particular skills of an IRS Special Agent to the investigation of drug enterprises, such as this one, is, in part, what allows the government to seize and forfeit the monetary proceeds of the organization, and convert those funds to use in the protection of the very communities these individuals would seek to destroy.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Unit in the Baton Rouge District Office, and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, the DEA in Orange County, California, and Newport Beach Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul L. Pugliese and Frederick A. Menner, Jr.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the conviction of a former investment adviser who stole up to $9.5 million from his victims in an investment fraud scheme.

On March 6, 2017, BRYAN LEE ADDINGTON, age 55, of Ethel, Louisiana, pled guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft before Senior U.S. District Judge James J. Brady. As a result of his guilty pleas, ADDINGTON faces imprisonment, fines, restitution orders, forfeiture, and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

As ADDINGTON acknowledged in court during his guilty plea, from in or about January 2010 through at least April 2016, he executed a fraudulent scheme to defraud victim investors through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, promises, and representations. Throughout the scheme, as ADDINGTON solicited funds from clients, he failed to invest the investment funds as promised and instead sent them false account statements often addressed from non-existent post office boxes. ADDINGTON purportedly paid distributions to his victims, but such distributions were often paid with money that actually belonged to other victim investors. ADDINGTON also admitted to forging his associate’s signature for the purpose of furthering his fraud scheme. ADDINGTON fraudulently obtained between $1.5 million and $9.5 million from his scheme; the court will determine a specific amount at or prior to ADDINGTON’S sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Investment fraud often leaves a devastated trail of victims in its wake. That is one of the many reasons investment fraud is, and will continue to be, a high priority for my office and the U.S. Department of Justice generally. I commend the diligent and outstanding efforts of all the prosecutors and agents who have worked on this important matter.”

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 and Louisiana State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Rezaei and Ryan Crosswell.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced SILVESTRE GUTIERREZ, age 39, of Mexico, to seventy-eight (78) months in federal prison for his role in attempting to transport approximately six (6) kilograms of cocaine through Baton Rouge in a rental vehicle.

On September 7, 2016, GUTIERREZ pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, and illegal reentry by a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 6, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

The defendant and his co-conspirators were arrested on February 29, 2016 after law enforcement officers found fifteen (15) vaccum sealed packages of cocaine floating the gas tank of their rental vehicle. Further, the defendant had in his possession the receipts for the items used to vaccum seal the cocaine for transporation in the gas tank of the vehicle. It was also uncovered that the defendant was not legally in the United States and had been previously deported on two prior occasions.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that BRIAN P. JOHNSON, age 44, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been sentenced to serve thirty-four (34) months in federal prison, as a result of his conviction for hacking into the computer system of an industrial facility to disrupt and damage its operations, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030(a)(5)(A). Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson ordered JOHNSON to pay restitution to Georgia-Pacific in the amount of $1,134,828, pay a $100 special assessment to the United States, and forfeit a variety of computer devices and accessories used in connection with his crime. Additionally, following his release from prison, JOHNSON will be required to serve a 3-year term of supervised release.

Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of paper, pulp, tissue, packaging, building materials, and related chemicals. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and employs approximately 35,000 people in more than 200 facilities nationwide. One of Georgia-Pacific’s facilities is located in Port Hudson, Louisiana, and the Port Hudson mill operates 24 hours a day, making paper, tissue, and paper towels. JOHNSON worked for many years as the facility’s information technology (IT) specialist and systems administrator. On February 14, 2014, JOHNSON’s employment was terminated, and he was escorted from the mill. After being terminated, however, JOHNSON remotely accessed the plant’s computer system and intentionally transmitted code and commands which resulted in significant damage to Georgia-Pacific and its operations.

On February 27, 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at JOHNSON’s home in Zachary, Louisiana, and observed a virtual private network connection to Georgia-Pacific on JOHNSON’s computer screen. Agents lawfully seized JOHNSON’s computer, pursuant to the warrant, and a subsequent forensic examination of the computer revealed logs of JOHNSON’s February 27, 2014 intrusion into the facility’s system.

On June 25, 2015, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging JOHNSON with intentionally damaging protected computers at Georgia-Pacific, from February 14, 2014 through February 27, 2014.

On February 4, 2016, JOHNSON pled guilty to the indictment before Chief Judge Jackson. In connection with his guilty plea, JOHNSON admitted that he had accessed the plant’s computer system and intentionally transmitted harmful code and commands to the system.

On February 15, 2017, JOHNSON appeared for sentencing. After hearing arguments from both parties, Chief Judge Jackson determined that the evidence established that JOHNSON had not only committed the February 27, 2014 intrusion, but in fact a series of intrusions, beginning shortly after his termination on February 14, 2014 and continuing through the federal search. Chief Judge Jackson also determined that JOHNSON’s criminal conduct caused a loss to Georgia-Pacific of more than $1.1 million, and JOHNSON was ordered to pay restitution for the full amount of the victim’s damages. JOHNSON was ordered to surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his nearly three-year prison term next month.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “This case is a powerful reminder of the very real threat and danger that businesses and individuals face from cyberattacks and other cyber-related criminal activity. Thanks to the victim’s quick response and cooperation with our office and the FBI—as well as the excellent work by the prosecutors and law enforcement agents assigned to this matter—we were able to stop Mr. Johnson’s malicious attacks and bring him to justice. The best defense to these sorts of attacks includes security, training, and continued vigilance at the facility level. However, through my office’s new Cyber Security Initiative, we have partnered with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who have the skills and expertise to confront these threats in our district, and we will aggressively work with our partners to pursue federal criminal prosecutions whenever appropriate.”

FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Jeffrey Sallet stated: “I would like to commend the men and women of the FBI's New Orleans Division’s Cyber Squad Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baton Rouge for their outstanding efforts in investigating this case to the fullest extent and bringing the responsible parties to justice. Combatting cyber crime is among the FBI’s top priorities due to its evolving nature and the direct threat it poses to Louisiana infrastructure.”

United States v. Brian Johnson was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cybercrimes Squad. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Patricia Jones, who serves as the office’s Appellate Chief, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Crosswell.

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

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

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

For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Cyber Security Initiative, please contact Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens, who serves as a Deputy Criminal Chief within the USAO, or Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rezaei, at (225) 389-0443.

For more information about InfraGard Louisiana, please contact FBI Special Agent Corey Harris at (504) 816-3145, or InfraGard Louisiana President Lester J. Millet, III, at (985) 210-7518.

To submit any information to the FBI concerning suspected internet-facilitated criminal activity, please visit the website for the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), www.ic3.gov.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a former Colonel at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, SHIRLEY WHITTINGTON, age 46, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, has been convicted of wire fraud. Yesterday, WHITTINGTON pled guilty before U.S. District Judge James J. Brady to engaging in wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.

The guilty plea arises from WHITTINGTON’s time as Treasurer of the Angola Employees Recreation Committee (“AERC”), a limited liability company formed to enrich its members through recreational activities and community events. The AERC raised funds from various sources and its finances were subject to internal audits and review.

In connection with her guilty plea hearing, WHITTINGTON admitted to a factual summary which detailed her wire fraud scheme. According to the factual summary, WHITTINGTON served as Treasurer of the AERC from February of 2006 thought June of 2016. Her duties included, among other things, depositing AERC funds, purchasing items and services, approving purchases, check writing, preparing financial statements, account reconciliation, and working with an external accountant for any audit or annual tax filings. In order to facilitate her financial oversight and reporting of AERC funds and purchases, WHITTINGTON maintained a QuickBooks accounting log. She also had signature authority for AERC bank accounts and was issued AERC debit cards.

Between March of 2009 and May of 2016, as part of her scheme to defraud and to obtain money from the AERC, WHITTINGTON diverted organization funds for her own benefit and for the benefit of her associates through online and local retailer purchases, ATM withdrawals, cashback and countercheck transactions, and by removing cash from concession sale deposits. Throughout the course of her scheme, she fraudulently diverted thousands of dollars in AERC funds.

In order to conceal her diversion of AERC funds, WHITTINGTON fraudulently omitted vendor names and designated certain purchases as “misc” or “misc. business expenses” in relevant portions of the AERC QuickBooks log. These material misrepresentations served to disguise her use of AERC funds for her own personal benefit or the benefit of her associates and to create the false impression that these transactions were legitimate business expenses of the AERC.

U.S. Attorney Green stated, “Public corruption has been and will continue to be a top priority for this office. I greatly appreciate the work of the FBI, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and the other state and local agencies who assisted on this important matter. A unified effort is essential to battling corruption.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet stated, “Citizens expect that every public official will fulfill their obligations with integrity and respect. The FBI will investigate any public officials who attempt to enrich themselves unjustly by profiting from their position and abusing the trust that others have placed in them.”

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera stated, “Louisiana's taxpayers want -- and deserve -- public officials and employees who do not use their positions to serve their own interests. We take public corruption very seriously and will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office, the FBI, and state and local law enforcement agencies to stop the misuse of public funds in Louisiana.”

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance provided by investigative auditors from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Dippel, who serves as a Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment charging eight individuals in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking network based in Ascension Parish and covering Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.

The indictment charges significant drug trafficking offenses involving cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. If convicted, these defendants face significant terms of imprisonment, fines, and the forfeiture of proceeds from the illegal activity. The defendants are as follows:

• Arthur Johnson, Jr., a.k.a. “Nelson Howard,” “Wood,” and “Dread,” age 40, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, CEO of “Ruff-n-Rugged Entertainment” in Geismar, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and 100 grams or more of heroin; distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

   

• Lorenza Benitez Alday, a.k.a. “Old Woman,” “Old Lady,” and “Old Girl,” age 51, of Gonzales, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

   

• Tom Christmas III, a.k.a. “Bald Head” and “Tom Jr.,” age 40, of Geismar, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and 100 grams or more of heroin; distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

   

• Rodolfo De La Cruz Alday, age 43, of Gonzales, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

   

   

• Norberto Aaron Bejarano, age 30, of Houston, Texas, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

   

• Reginald Jackson, a.k.a. “Lemonhead,” age 44, of Geismar, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and heroin; distribution of cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine; distribution of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; and forfeiture.

   

• Lashucklan Martin, a.k.a. “Fat,” age 39, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

   

• Everett D. Ramsey, a.k.a. “Ram,” age 30, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Our office will continue to aggressively pursue drug traffickers using all legal means available. I commend the FBI, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and all of the other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who contributed to this important matter.”

Jeffrey S. Sallet, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New Orleans Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, stated: “This investigation and indictments are the result of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to keep our communities safe. The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to combat violent gangs and illegal drug traffickers.”

Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley stated: “We partnered with the FBI on this case several years ago. We will continue to work together to keep our streets safe from drugs and other criminal activity.”

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

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

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.

Former Chief Administrative Deputy and Sheriff’s Uncle Also Plead Guilty

A former Rutherford County Sheriff, his former Chief Administrative Deputy, and his uncle have pleaded guilty for operating a private electronic cigarette company in the county jail for personal gain and the concealment and misrepresentation of their involvement with the business, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith of the Middle District of Tennessee. 
            
Robert F. Arnold, 40, former Sheriff of Rutherford County, Tennessee, and his former Chief Administrative Deputy Joe L. Russell II, 50, also of Rutherford County, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, honest services fraud and extortion under color of official right on Jan. 18 and 20, respectively.  Arnold’s uncle, John Vanderveer, 59, of Marietta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to attempted witness tampering on Jan. 30.  The pleas were entered before Chief U.S. District Judge Kevin H. Sharp of the Middle District of Tennessee.  Arnold is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Sharp on May 8, and Vanderveer and Russell are scheduled to be sentenced on May 12 and May 19, respectively.  All three were indicted in May 2016 for their roles in the formation and operation of the electronic cigarette company, JailCigs LLC.  
            
In connection with their pleas, Arnold and Russell admitted to forming JailCigs with Vanderveer in 2013; using Arnold’s official position as Sheriff of Rutherford County to benefit JailCigs by allowing the company’s electronic cigarettes to come into the Rutherford County jail as non-contraband and be distributed by county employees; taking steps to disguise their involvement in the company; and misrepresenting the benefits that Rutherford County was supposedly receiving from JailCigs.  
            
Additionally, Arnold admitted that he personally received over $66,000 from JailCigs; and admitted that he lied about his income from, and knowledge of, the company when he was confronted by local media in April 2015.  Russell admitted receiving over $52,000 in payments from JailCigs.  Vanderveer, a private citizen and Arnold’s uncle, admitted to telling the company’s Tennessee sales representative to destroy her commission sheets so the company could provide fraudulent versions that would show the payments going to her, rather than Arnold.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, each defendant agreed to pay restitution to Rutherford County in the amount of $52,500.  

The FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Trial Attorney Mark Cipolletti of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecil W. VanDevender of the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury has returned indictments charging child pornography offenses against three different individuals as a result of investigations by various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. If convicted, the defendants could face a significant imprisonment, fines, restitution, forfeiture, and supervised release following imprisonment.

The defendants and charges are as follows:

MICHAEL STANLEY CLARK, age 31, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, is charged with production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, transportation of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and forfeiture.

JERRY R. BROWN, age 48, of Greensburg, Louisiana is charged with receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and forfeiture.

IORDAN BOSSEV, age 20, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is charged with receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and forfeiture.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “These indictments reflect the continuing commitment by this office, together with our federal, state, and local partners, to aggressively pursue those who contribute to the sexual exploitation of our children. The identification, investigation, and prosecution of these offenders is crucial in punishing them and also deterring future offenders from taking advantage of children. I commend the excellent work of the federal, state, and local agencies who worked closely together on these important cases.”

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffery Sallet stated: “One of law enforcement’s highest priorities is to protect those who are most vulnerable among us. The FBI will continue to vigorously pursue those who seek to exploit children. These indictments demonstrate that commitment.”

These matters were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Cyber Crime Unit and the Criminal Division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Livingston Parish District Attorney’s Office, the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office of Jefferson County, New York, and the Sheriff’s Office of Washington County, Oregon. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cam T. Le and Calvin A. Leipold, III.

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 Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute 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.

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.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced another significant prison sentence resulting from a federal grand jury indictment against 38 individuals in Operation Third World, a long-running investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at dismantling a notoriously violent drug trafficking network operating in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.

Yesterday, Myron Chevelle Hart, age 39, of Baker, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick to serve 262 months (21 years) in prison and ordered to forfeit $199,441 as proceeds of his offenses. In addition, Hart was sentenced to 48 months for violating the terms of his federal supervised release which resulted from his 2007 federal drug and firearm convictions. The defendant will not be eligible for parole since the federal system has abolished parole.

A federal grand jury indicted Hart and 38 others with various narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses related to their involvement in a violent drug trafficking organization. The indictment includes significant drug trafficking, racketeering, firearm, and conspiracy charges, including allegations of a murder plot, threats to use a hatchet to cut off fingers, and using a child to help transport 18 kilograms of cocaine. To date, 34 of the defendants have been convicted and one has died. The remaining 4 defendants are set for trial. When the defendants were arrested pursuant to the indictment, agents seized cocaine, a stolen AR-15, a shotgun, three handguns, and over $113,000 in cash believed to be drug proceeds. Previously during the investigation, agents seized 6 firearms and over $150,000 in cash as part of this operation.

Hart plead guilty on November 10, 2016, admitting that beginning in early 2013, he conspired with Kelly D. Williams, Charles C. London, C’Prien Nicholas, Sylvester Smith, Artey Foulcard and others to obtain and distribute multiple kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine for profit in and around Baton Rouge.

In addition to distributing cocaine and crack cocaine, Hart’s role in the organization was that of an enforcer, using violence and threats of violence to advance their aims. As an example, court-authorized wiretaps captured several phone calls during which Hart and a coconspirator planned to rob and kill someone because that person had talked negatively about them. During another conversation, Hart even bragged to different coconspirator that he should watch the news the following morning because the killing will be a story. After learning of the plan, law enforcement intervened, preventing the plan from being carried out.

The following defendants have previously been sentenced:

• Charles C. London, age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on September 8, 2016 to 26.6-years imprisonment.

• Sylvester S. Smith, age 37, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced on May 19, 2016 to 18-years imprisonment.

   

• Donald Sanders, Jr., age 39, of Gonzales, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 3, 2016 to 7-years imprisonment.

   

• Derrick D. Hilliard, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 23, 2016 to 5-years imprisonment.

   

• Willie C. Lewis, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on May 19, 2016 to 9-years imprisonment.

   

• Sekari Davis Washington, age 38, of Zachary, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 30, 2016 to 1-year imprisonment.

   

• Clarence White, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 10, 2016 to 4.5-years imprisonment.

   

• Vernon A. Powell, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on January 12, 2017 to 8-years imprisonment.

   

• Devon D. Foster, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on May 5, 2016 to 9-years imprisonment.

   

• Eric O’Neal Selders, age 44, of Independence, Louisiana, was sentenced on September 29, 2016 to 13.75-years imprisonment.

   

• James Edward Allen, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 24, 2016 to 3-years imprisonment.

   

• Dwan M. Delavallade, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 1, 2016 to 5.8-years imprisonment.

   

• Kelvin Ronelle Johnson, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 4, 2016 to 5.8-years imprisonment.

• Gerry Earl Griffin, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 16, 2016 to 1-year imprisonment.

   

• Gregory C. Walker, age 53, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 28, 2016 to 5.8-years imprisonment.

   

• Jeremy James Washington, age 37, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 19, 2016 to 5-years imprisonment.

   

• Myron Derell Mills, age 36, of Gonzales, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 7, 2016 to

  15.2-years imprisonment.

   

• Ashley H. Hebert, age 27, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 16, 2016 to 2-years imprisonment.

   

• Keeyon Mondrell Sanders, age 34, was sentenced on September 29, 2016 to 2-years imprisonment.

   

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Today’s severe sentence is a product of the tremendous efforts of the many federal, state, and local law enforcement agents, who, together with prosecutors in my office, worked seamlessly and tirelessly to put this violent group of thugs out of business. Together, we will continue to aggressively bring the fight to those who threaten the peace, safety, and security of our communities through violence and drug trafficking.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley stated: “The arrests and convictions made in this investigation are part of DEA’s continuing effort to target the distribution of dangerous drugs at all levels. Illicit drug abuse and related criminal activity take a tremendous toll on our communities, including those in Baton Rouge. We will continue to work closely with our state and local law enforcement partners in order to enhance the quality of life for the citizens in this region.”

This operation is being 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 Sherriff’s Office, the Livingston Parish Sherriff’s Office, the Gonzales Police Department, and the Baker Police Department.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kleinpeter and Adam Ptashkin.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the fifth and final conviction in a series of federal prosecutions aimed at a drug trafficking ring which operated in the Gulf Coast states. On Friday, January 6, 2017, KENDALL LEWIS, age 27, of Lecanto, Florida, appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson and pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846,. LEWIS was remanded into custody following his conviction and is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on April 20, 2017.

During the hearing and in his plea agreement, LEWIS admitted that in early 2015, he and his co-conspirators made multiple trips to the Houston, Texas area, where they would obtain distribution-level quantities of cocaine. LEWIS used female co-consprators to drive the cocaine back to Florida, while LEWIS and his other co-conspirators followed the car containing the cocaine back to Florida. The cocaine would then be distributed for profit in Florida. On February 9, 2015, after one such trip to Houston, LEWIS and his co-conspirators were arrested while driving through Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and found to be transporting more than 4 kilograms of cocaine.

LEWIS’S conviction follows the convictions of four co-conspirators who are pending sentencing:

• Kareem McKinnon, age 25, of Crystal River, Florida, was convicted on August 4, 2016, following a multi-day jury trial, of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

   

• Arthur William Armstrong, age 34, of Crystal River, Florida, pled guilty on October 21, 2015, to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

   

• Lamechia Richburg, age 22, of Crystal River, Florida, pled guilty on December 2, 2015, to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

• Shelby Collazo, age 21, of Beverly Hills, Florida, pled guilty on December 4, 2015, to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

U.S. Attorney Green stated, “These five convictions should serve as a strong reminder of this office’s commitment to pursuing those who transport and distribute cocaine and other dangerous drugs on our streets. I appreciate the efforts of the DEA, BRPD, and LSP for helping us to dismantle this drug trafficking ring, and the efforts of all of our committed law enforcement partners who work to keep drugs out of our community every day.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley stated, “These convictions signify that law enforcement will not tolerate drug dealing in our communities. The DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying every individual within a drug trafficking organization who is responsible for purveying our city with illegal narcotics.”

This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, with valuable assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Louisiana State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Ptashkin and Robert Piedrahita.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that former Gonzales District Fire Chief KRISTOPHER JOHNSON, age 36, of Gonzales, Louisiana, has been convicted of distributing and possessing child pornography.  Earlier today, JOHNSON plead guilty before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick to four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.  He will be sentenced at a later date to be determined.

During today’s hearing, JOHNSON admitted to a factual basis contained in his plea agreement.  According to the factual basis, the investigation began when law enforcement learned 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 which 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. 

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Those who exploit and perpetuate the sexual abuse of children by trading and possessing images of such abuse will continue to be aggressively pursued by this office, along with our federal, state, and local partners.  I commend the agents and prosecutor for their work on this important prosecution.”   

This matter is being investigated by the 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.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan R. Crosswell.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that U.S. District Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced MARSHA COLE, also known as Sandra McPherson, age 57, of Metairie, Louisiana, to ninety-five (95) months in federal prison as a result of her bank fraud scheme across several states in which she attempted to embezzle over $137,000 from elderly victims’ bank accounts.  COLE was ordered to pay restitution to her victims in the amount of $103,482, to pay a $200 special assessment, and to serve a five-year term of supervised release following her term of imprisonment.

On July 13, 2016, COLE pled guilty to one count of bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.

COLE stole the personal identifying information (PII) of her victims and used that information to create fraudulent identification cards.  Armed with that information, she went to her victim’s banks and withdrew funds.  In order to obtain the funds, COLE forged the signatures of her victims.   COLE attempted over to withdraw over $137,000 through over thirty-one (31) attempted withdrawals from her victim’s accounts at twenty-one (21) different banks in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.  She successfully withdrew over $103,482 from her victims’ accounts.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “This sentence reflects the significant impact of identity theft and bank fraud on victims.  Together with the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue these types of cases through federal criminal investigations and prosecutions.”

This matter was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  The investigation has been conducted by the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Louisiana State Police.  The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Matthew Chaney Walker, 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 240 months in federal prison for his scheme to extort numerous minors over the internet for the purpose of producing and receiving child pornography.  WALKER was ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release following his release from imprisonment.   WALKER was also ordered to pay $6,247.59 in restitution, a $1000 special assessment, and a $100,000 fine.  At the conclusion of the sentencing, the Court ordered WALKER to begin serving his sentence immediately and remanded WALKER to the custody of the United States Marshal.

On January 7, 2016, WALKER pleaded guilty to four counts of extortion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d); three counts of production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 2; and three counts of receipt of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2).  In connection with his guilty plea, WALKER admitted that, in 2014, he met young girls online for the purpose of sexually exploiting them.  In order to lure his victims, WALKER pretended to be a teenage girl and used different online screen names.  During chats with his victims, Walker broached the topic of trading nude and sexually explicit images.  To lower his victims’ inhibitions, WALKER initiated sexually explicit conversations and sent sexually suggestive photographs of other young girls that he represented to be of himself.  Once he obtained compromising pictures of his victims, WALKER then demanded that the victims send him images even more graphic than those they had already sent to him.  WALKER threatened to send compromising pictures of the victims to their families, schools, friends, and the public should they refuse to comply with his demands.  As a result of his conduct, WALKER’s victims created and sent child pornography to him. 

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “This case provides another tragic cautionary tale for anyone concerned about the dangers posed to our children by criminals on the internet.  This defendant sexually exploited his victims by extortion and psychological manipulation, often preying on children in the supposed safety of their own homes.  Today’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 prosecutor and agents handling this important matter, and commend the bravery of the victims and their families in persevering through this ordeal.”

“HSI will continue to aggressively investigate and arrest the people who seek to prey on the most vulnerable in our society,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, New Orleans Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations.  “Thanks to our efforts with our law enforcement partners we’ve ensured Walker will never again take advantage of children.”

This case is being handled jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Cyber Crime Unit and the Criminal Division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office; the Peterborough Police Service, a member of the Ontario Provincial Strategy ‎to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet; the Cheatham County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; the Naperville, Illinois Police Department; and the Ottawa County, Michigan Sheriff’s Office, among others. 

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le, who serves as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Middle District of Louisiana.       

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 Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute 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.

BATON ROUGE, LA –United States Attorney Walt Green announced that Ravious Darnell Thomas, age 49, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, has been sentenced to a total of 215 months in federal prison as a result of possessing a firearm while a convicted felon, possessing crack cocaine and violating the terms of his supervised release.

On July 28, 2015, the Denham Springs Police Department arrested THOMAS.  After a search of Thomas’s SUV, police recovered a loaded .22 Magnum pistol and crack cocaine. THOMAS had previously been convicted of federal and state felony offenses that prohibited him from ever possessing any type of firearm.  Based on the July 2015 arrest, THOMAS was indicted and convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of crack cocaine.  

U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles today sentenced THOMAS to serve a federal prison term of 180 months on the gun and drug charges.  In addition, because THOMAS was on federal supervised release at the time of his July 2015 arrest, as a result of a prior, federal narcotics conviction, the Court also found THOMAS to have violated the terms of his supervised release, and sentenced him to an additional 35 months in federal prison for the violation.   

U.S. Attorney Walt Green stated: “One of my highest priorities has been the enforcement of our gun and drug laws.  Today’s long jail sentence removes an armed career criminal from our streets.”

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III and investigated by the Denham Springs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). 

Officers Falsified Reports and Tampered with Witnesses to Cover Up Beating

Three former supervisory correctional officers at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, were indicted today for beating a handcuffed and shackled inmate, and conspiring to cover up their misconduct by falsifying official records, committing perjury and tampering with witnesses as well as physical evidence.

According to the indictment, former Major Daniel Davis, 40, of Loranger, Louisiana; former Captain John Sanders, 31, of Marksville, Louisiana; and former Captain James Savoy, 38, of Marksville, beat an inmate, who suffered bodily injury as a result.  The defendants then created a false cover story, asserting that they had used reasonable force to get the inmate under control after he had gotten out of his cell and fought with officers.  To corroborate that false cover story, members of the conspiracy instructed subordinates to clean up the inmate’s blood before internal investigators could document it, falsified official prison reports and records, ordered subordinates to lie to internal affairs investigators and lied under oath in a federal civil proceeding arising out of the incident.

A fourth former supervisory correctional officer, Captain Scotty Kennedy, 48, of Beebe, Arkansas, pleaded guilty on Tuesday for his role in the incident.

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Baton Rouge Division 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 - United States Attorney Walt Green and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, announced that three former supervisory correctional officers at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, were indicted today for beating a handcuffed and shackled inmate, and conspiring to cover up their misconduct by falsifying official records, committing perjury and tampering with witnesses as well as physical evidence.  Earlier this week, a fourth former supervisory officer pled guilty for his role in the crimes.

Former Major DANIEL DAVIS, age 40, of Loranger, Louisiana, former Captain JOHN SANDERS, age 31, of Marksville, Louisiana, and former Captain JAMES SAVOY, age 38, of Marksville, Louisiana, were charged in a multi-count indictment by a federal Grand Jury sitting in the Middle District of Louisiana.  According to the indictment, Major DANIEL DAVIS, Captain JOHN SANDERS and Captain JAMES SAVOY beat an inmate, who suffered bodily injury as a result.  The defendants then created a false cover story, asserting that the officers used reasonable force to get the inmate under control after he had gotten out of his cell and fought with officers.  To corroborate that false cover story, members of the conspiracy instructed subordinates to clean up the inmate’s blood before internal investigators could document it, falsified official prison reports and records, ordered subordinates to lie to internal affairs investigators and lied under oath in a federal civil proceeding arising out of the incident.

A fourth defendant, former Captain SCOTTY KENNEDY, age 48, of Beebe, Arkansas, pled guilty on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, for his role in the incident. 

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “It is a sad day whenever a member of law enforcement engages in wrongdoing.  In addition to the direct harm caused to a victim, such wrongdoing taints the vast majority of officers who fulfill their mission with honesty and integrity.  Today’s indictment reinforces that no one is above the law.”

This case is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.

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

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that LORRIE LYNN ROGERSON, age 57, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles for defrauding $430,490 from the Pediatric Surgery of Louisiana (“PSL”), a group of Baton Rouge physicians who specialize in surgery on children.  Rogerson was ordered to serve 12 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release following prison, restitution to the victim of $430,490, a fine of $10,000, and asset forfeiture of $394,584.  Rogerson was also ordered to repay $13,505 to the victim to reimburse the costs of investigating her offense.

PSL employed Rogerson to act as their office manager.  Rogerson was responsible for PSL’s payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and human resources.  In her role, Rogerson enjoyed access to the bank accounts of PSL for the purpose of making deposits to, and paying bills from, the PSL bank account.  Rogerson was entrusted with the authority and responsibility to manage PSL’s banking affairs.  Rogerson had access to all accounts and was familiar with PSL’s account information.

In April 2015, a review of PSL financial records discovered that Rogerson had accessed PSL’s bank account to make unauthorized withdrawals and transfers for her personal benefit.  Between May 2008 and May 2015, Rogerson caused unauthorized electronic withdrawals to be made from the PSL bank account for the purpose of paying Rogerson’s credit cards.  Rogerson also issued numerous, unauthorized PSL checks for her benefit, and mischaracterized said checks in the accounting software as business expenses. 

Rogerson embezzled funds on approximately 256 occasions during the period of May 2008 and May 2015.  In order to execute the scheme to defraud on January 5, 2015, Rogerson used internet services to divert funds from a PSL bank account for the purpose of paying her personal credit card bills.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Today’s sentencing is yet another example of the insider threat that businesses face.  Such offenders must be held to account and should be reported to law enforcement immediately.  Our office, together with the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners, stand ready to aggressively pursue these important matters.” 

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “This case is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute individuals who willingly violate the law in order to personally enrich themselves at the expense of others.”

This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  The investigation has been conducted by the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance provided by the victim, PSL, and their accountants, Faulk and Winkler.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney René Salomon.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that United States District Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced JASON CHRISTOPHER DEVILLIER, age 45, for his convictions in connection with a scheme to defraud Whitney Bank.  This summer, DEVILLIER pled guilty to bank fraud and fraudulent receipt of bank funds.

Chief Judge Jackson sentenced DEVILLIER to a term of 33 months in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by a term of 3 years supervised release.  DEVILLIER was also sentenced to pay total restitution of $474,410.74 to Whitney Bank.  Additionally, DEVILLIER was ordered to forfeit assets of $474,410.74 and pay a $25,000 fine. 

These convictions arose from DEVILLIER’s ownership and operation of ABC123, L.L.C. (“ABC123”), a payment processing company for private and parochial primary and secondary schools located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  In order for ABC123 to perform its payment processing services for the schools, parents established accounts through ABC123’s website, which enabled parents to send money electronically to the schools for tuition, cafeteria fees, and other school-related fees.  ABC123 collected the funds paid by parents and transmitted them to financial institutions designated by each respective school.  As a result, DEVILLIER had access to the schools’ bank account information, including routing and account numbers.    

DEVILLIER accomplished his scheme to defraud Whitney Bank through his use of the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network.  DEVILLIER previously admitted that, from November of 2012 through July of 2013, he diverted funds from ABC123’s Whitney Bank account (“the ABC123 account”) into his personal account and other accounts, in amounts ranging from $30 to $50,000, through inappropriate ACH batch transactions.  For each fraudulent transaction, DEVILLIER posted numerous and substantial false and fraudulent credits to the ABC123 account, which he falsely represented as authorized withdrawals from accounts belonging to the schools.  In effect, these false and fraudulent ACH credits posted by DEVILLIER made it appear as though the ABC123 account had sufficient funds for withdrawals from said account.  Before Whitney Bank was able to detect and reverse the false and fraudulent ACH credits, Devillier transferred funds through ACH debits from the ABC123 account to various personal and business accounts belonging to him and others.  As a result of DEVILLIER’s fraudulent conduct, Whitney Bank suffered substantial losses. 

U.S. Attorney Walt Green stated: “Mr. Devillier was sentenced to a significant sentence for his criminal conduct.  In lining his own pockets, Mr. Devillier violated the trust of not only Whitney Bank, but also the trust of the schools, students, and families his business was supposed to serve.  I also wish to convey my appreciation to the FBI and the prosecutor for their excellent work, as well as to Whitney Bank and the schools for their cooperation and support during the investigation and prosecution of this important matter.”   

SAC Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “I would like to recognize the outstanding work done by the assigned FBI Special Agent and Assistant U.S. Attorney in unraveling this complex bank fraud scheme.  The New Orleans Division of the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute those who would attempt to fraudulently utilize the banking system for personal gain.”

The investigation has been conducted by the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cam T. Le.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that United States District Judge John deGravelles sentenced MICHAEL DAVID PITTS, age 41, for his wire fraud conviction in connection with a scheme to defraud Amedisys, Incorporated, a home health and hospice care company formerly headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  PITTS pled guilty to stealing $7,641,528 from Amedisys, which annually furnishes home health services to approximately 380,000 patients in 36 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Judge deGravelles sentenced PITTS to a term of 48 months in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by a term of 3 years supervised release.  PITTS was also sentenced to pay total restitution of $7,861,679 to Amedisys, Inc., its insurer (Ace Westchester Chubb) and Amedisys Political Action Committee.  Additionally, PITTS was ordered to forfeit assets of $7,641,528. 

According to the Bill of Information to which PITTS pled guilty, he was the Vice President of Tax for Amedisys for the period January 2005 through July 2014.  In this role, PITTS was responsible for all corporate tax matters, including the preparation of state and federal tax returns and the payment of state income taxes in the various states where Amedisys operated its business.  The Bill of Information alleges that PITTS had the authority and ability to purchase tax credits for the purpose of executing his duty of reducing and paying state income taxes in the various states where Amedisys did business.

According to the Bill of Information, PITTS engaged in a scheme to defraud Amedisys from October 2006 through May 2014 through an elaborate scheme involving shell entities and fictitious film tax credits.  As part of the scheme, PITTS created a counterfeit company named “Stonehenge Entertainment” for the purpose of selling false and fictitious “Tax Credit Transfer Agreements” to Amedisys.  PITTS allegedly used this company name because it closely resembled the name of a legitimate company with which Amedisys did business.  PITTS also allegedly created an entity known as “Evergreen Incentives” for the purpose of selling false and fictitious “Tax Credit Transfer Agreements” to Amedisys. 

In order to carry out his scheme, PITTS opened and maintained a bank account at Capital One Bank, N.A. for Stonehenge Entertainment and a separate account at Regions Bank for Evergreen Incentives.  PITTS created false and fictitious “Tax Credit Transfer Agreements” and used his position as Vice President of Tax to present the false and fictitious Tax Credit Transfer Agreements to his corporate supervisors for approval, falsely representing them to be valid tax credits.  Once approved, PITTS then purchased the false and fictitious Tax Credit Transfer Agreements on behalf of Amedisys. 

According to the Bill of Information, in order to personally benefit from the sale of false and fictitious tax credits to Amedisys, PITTS caused electronic banking transfers to divert funds from an Amedisys account at JPMorgan Chase Bank to his accounts at Capital One Bank and Regions Bank for his personal enrichment.  During the period October 3, 2006 through May 16, 2014, PITTS allegedly caused Amedisys to make 21 wire transfers totaling $7,641,528 to accounts which he controlled, and for his personal enrichment. 

U.S. Attorney Walt Green stated: “Today Mr. Pitts’ insatiable greed landed him in jail for the next four years.  He violated the trust that Amedisys placed in him for over nine years.  During this extended period, he stole over $7.5 million dollars from a company who was duped by this unscrupulous individual.  I want to convey my great appreciation to the prosecutors and the FBI for their excellent work and to the victim, Amedisys, who provided valuable cooperation and support in this important matter.”

SAC Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “The FBI New Orleans Division, in conjunction with its partners at the USAO, will aggressively pursue individuals, irrespective of their position, who attempt to use the tax credit system to defraud Louisiana businesses and residents.  The FBI is committed to the protection of Louisiana's residents and businesses and will relentlessly investigate those responsible for violating federal criminal law."

This matter was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  The investigation has been conducted by the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance provided by the victim, Amedisys, Inc. and their representatives. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney René Salomon.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that his office continues to diligently and thoroughly investigate the July 5, 2016 shooting of Alton Sterling.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, working closely with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, continues to make this investigation a top priority. To date, a team of career federal prosecutors, FBI agents and support personnel have devoted hundreds of hours to the investigation. Due to the breadth, scope and seriousness of the investigation, all three participating agencies have dedicated significant resources to the case. The investigation remains ongoing, and will conclude only when we have gathered, reviewed and evaluated all available evidence. There is no timetable for when this will be finished.  My office, the Civil Rights Division, and the FBI all stand committed to taking all necessary steps to reach a just result based solely on the facts and the law.”

BATON ROUGE, LA – The National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) announced today its efforts to combat disaster fraud related to the historic flooding event in the Baton Rouge region in August 2016.  

The NCDF – which includes over 30 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies - was established by the U.S. Department of Justice following Hurricane Katrina and is led by United States Attorney Walt Green who serves as its Executive Director. 

The NCDF provides a nationwide call center for members of the public to report all types of disaster fraud, as well as a team of law enforcement agents who review those reports and make referrals to the appropriate investigative agencies.  It provides de-confliction, coordination, and expertise in handling disaster fraud matters and is focused on protecting disaster victims and any funds dedicated to disaster victims.  The Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721.

The NCDF has received more than 68,000 complaints involving over 40 different disasters, resulting in over 50,000 referrals to law enforcement agencies.  With regard to the flooding in Baton Rouge specifically, the NCDF has already received over 1200 complaints.  

U.S. Attorney and NCDF Executive Director Green stated: “The NCDF and its partners are united in the common belief that those who fraudulently exploit tragedy and disaster for personal gain must be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.  I am proud of the vast coalition of law enforcement agencies for every level that have come together under the NCDF umbrella to combat those fraudsters who invariably seek to take advantage of communities suffering from disasters.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry stated:  “Our office will continue to do all we can to assist those impacted by the flooding.  From receiving and investigating consumer complaints to educating victims of potential scams, the Louisiana Department of Justice remains dedicated to serving the people of our State and their precious tax dollars.  We stand united with our partners to ensure the storm’s victims receive the help they need and do not fall prey to those who want to exploit the system.”

FBI New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet stated: “Unfortunately, not only has our state witnessed yet another catastrophic disaster, but along with these floods comes the possibility for fraud and abuse regarding disaster relief funding.  While Louisiana residents are attempting to rebuild and repair their lives and homes, there are those who will try to take advantage of the situation and attempt to illegally acquire funds they are not entitled to.  The FBI New Orleans Division will continue to seamlessly work with our federal, state and local partners in order to investigate fraudulent claims and contractor abuse.”

“It is disheartening that in the aftermath of a natural disaster, criminal elements attempt to steal funds intended to provide relief to victims,” said Michael Breslin, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Disaster related fraud is not only detrimental to our nation’s financial infrastructure, it slows the process of providing much needed resources to those who have lost so much. For this reason, the Secret Service remains a committed partner of the National Center for Disaster Fraud and will relentlessly protect the process to provide financial relief to the victims.”

“The DHS Office of Inspector General has been an enthusiastic participant in the National Center for Disaster Fraud Task Force since its inception,” said Inspector General John Roth.  “We continue to work with our Task Force partners to address and combat waste, fraud, and abuse arising out of the recent flooding in Louisiana, ensuring that FEMA emergency assistance is going to the disaster survivors that need it.  Suspected fraud or scams should be reported toll-free to the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.” 

District Attorney Ricky Babin of the 23rd Judicial District Court stated: “The flood of 2016 has brought unprecedented human and financial loss to our communities.  The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s office is proud to join our Federal and State law enforcement partners to hold accountable any person who engages in fraud or attempts to take advantage of the victims of this natural disaster.  The victims of this event have already suffered staggering devastation.   This joint effort will pool our resources to focus on predatory practices that may cause further losses.”

Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeffrey Wiley stated: “The last thing that victims of flood damage need is to be victimized again. This task force will involve all levels of law enforcement and will serve an important mission, to protect those that need it the most.”

Federal Agencies

1. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana
2. U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division
3. U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
4. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division
5. U.S. Secret Service
6. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General
7. Federal Bureau of Investigation
8. NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
9. U.S. Coast Guard, Inspective Service
10. U.S. Postal Inspection Service
11. U.S. Department of Defense, Criminal Investigative Service
12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General
13. U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Investigations
14. U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General
15. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
16. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General
17. U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General
18. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General
19. U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General
20. U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General
21. U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

State Agencies

1. Louisiana Attorney General’s Office
2. District Attorney’s Office for the 19th Judicial District
3. District Attorney’s Office for the 23rd Judicial District
4. District Attorney’s Office for the 21st Judicial District
5. Louisiana State Police
6. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
7. Baton Rouge Police Department
8. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office
9. Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office
10. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced that, in September, a federal grand jury returned a sealed Indictment against ALVIN WATTS, III, age 35, of Addis, Louisiana, TROY TAYLOR, 35, of White Castle, Louisiana, BRODERICK “CHRIS” LANDRY, 37 of White Castle, Louisiana, and FRANCIS “FRANK” ASIEDU DEBRAH, 38 of Waldorf, Maryland.  The first count in the Indictment charges all four individuals with conspiracy to possess, transport, and traffic in embezzled pre-retail medical products, and to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. 

The Indictment alleges that these four individuals participated in a scheme to unlawfully enrich themselves by, among other things, trafficking in and transporting HIV pharmaceutical drugs that had been stolen from the Washington, D.C. Department of Health Pharmacy Warehouse where DEBRAH worked.  The Indictment alleges that DEBRAH and another individual not named in the Indictment, stole HIV medication from the Washington, D.C. Department of Health Pharmacy Warehouse, and then sold the drugs to WATTS who operated a pharmacy called “Doc Your Dose” in Gross Tete, Louisiana.  The Indictment alleges that WATTS sent TAYLOR and LANDRY to Washington, D.C. as couriers to purchase the stolen prescription drugs for cash.    The Indictment further alleges that once TAYLOR and LANDRY returned the stolen prescription drugs to Louisiana, WATTS sold them to customers of his pharmacy.

In addition to the conspiracy count, the Indictment also charges all four men with trafficking in embezzled pre-retail medical products, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 670, and charges WATTS, TAYLOR, and LANDRY with transporting stolen goods in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2314.  Finally, the Indictment charges WATTS with one count of receipt, possession, or sale of stolen property, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2315. The Indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation related to proceeds of the offenses. 

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, with assistance from other FDA components, and the Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Smyczek and Kevin Sanchez.

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – The National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) will hold a press conference on Friday, October 7, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Johnston Hall, Louisiana State University, regarding the efforts of the NCDF to combat fraud related to the recent record flooding that took place in the area in August 2016.  The NCDF – which is a partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies - was established by the U.S. Department of Justice following Hurricane Katrina and is led by United States Attorney Walt Green who serves as its Executive Director.  The NCDF provides a nationwide call center for members of the public to report all types of disaster fraud, as well as a team of law enforcement agents who review those reports and make referrals to the appropriate investigative agencies.  Confirmed attendees include:

• Walt Green, U.S. Attorney and NCDF Executive Director of the NCDF
• Jeff Landry, Louisiana Attorney General
• Jeff Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Hillar Moore, District Attorney of the 19th Judicial District
• Representatives from numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging KRISTOPHER JOHNSON, age 36, of Gonzales, Louisiana, with distributing and possessing child pornography in an ongoing investigation.

According to the Indictment, JOHNSON distributed child pornography via text messages on four different occasions between November 6 and 7, 2015. The Indictment further alleges that JOHNSON possessed child pornography which contained images of pre-pubescent minors and minors who were under 12 years of age.

This matter is being investigated by the 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. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan R. Crosswell.

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

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that NATHIAN D. HOSSLEY, age 50, of Baton Rouge, has been convicted of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a contract worth over $1.2 million that his construction company entered to build a charter school in Baker, Louisiana.  His sentencing date has not yet been set.

This morning, HOSSLEY plead guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to multiple counts of 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.

During the guilty plea hearing, HOSSLEY admitted to a factual summary which detailed his crimes.  According to that summary, HOSSLEY submitted a bid to Bouma Construction (“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 (called a “Qualification Statement”) to Bouma in which he 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.  HOSSLEY also represented that there were no civil matters pending in which he was involved, when, in fact, he was in civil litigation with a former business partner. 

Bouma ultimately hired First Millennium for the Impact Charter School project and the companies entered into a contract for $1,221,163.00.  Bouma’s payments to First Millennium were to be made in installments.  The payment arrangement between the HOSSLEY’s company and Bouma required that HOSSLEY submit a payment application each time he wanted a new installment payment.   HOSSLEY submitted multiple payment applications to Bouma which falsely understated or omitted money owed to certain sub-subcontractors or vendors he had hired to work on the job.   Because of this, HOSSLEY was able to conceal from Bouma that he was using money paid to him by Bouma for the project on personal expenditures such as American Express card bills, cash withdrawals, and money transfers to a restaurant he had recently opened and co-owned, called Spice Bistro.

Then, in October of 2014, HOSSLEY contacted an executive with Bouma and told him that four sub-subcontractors which HOSSLEY had hired to assist him on the Impact Charter School project needed to immediately be paid $96,125, collectively.  Because Bouma had already paid First Millennium over $849,000 on the project, the executive insisted that the payments be issued as joint checks to First Millennium and each individual sub-subcontractor.  He additionally insisted that HOSSLEY obtain lien waivers and signed “Joint Check Agreements” from the four sub-subcontractors.   HOSSLEY agreed to this arrangement, but rather than obtaining the signatures of the four sub-subcontractors on these documents, he and one of his employees forged the signatures on the documents themselves, including the endorsements on the joint checks.  HOSSLEY then caused the checks to be deposited into First Millennium’s bank account. 

After the checks were deposited into First Millennium’s bank account, HOSSLEY made a $29,474.34 payment on his American Express card from the First Millennium bank account, and then, on October 30, 2014, he made a $22,000 transfer of funds from the First Millennium bank account to the bank account of his restaurant, Spice Bistro.  The total of these two transactions exceeded the amount of money in the account previous to the deposit of the four joint checks by over $10,000.  These transactions formed the basis of HOSSLEY’s money laundering conviction.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Crosswell, Rene Salomon, and Cal Leipold.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against KEITH MIGUAL WILLIAMS, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The indictment charges WILLIAMS with six counts of violating the Hobbs Act, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a), and three counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).

The Indictment alleges that on six different occasions in an eleven-day period, from July 28, 2016 to August 7, 2016, WILLIAMS robbed Baton Rouge convenience stores, specifically, Circle K convenience stores located at 10221 Coursey Boulevard, 7475 Jefferson Highway, and 5313 Nicholson Drive; a Walgreens located at 4485 Perkins Road; and a Cracker Barrel located at 9530 Hooper Road. The Indictment further alleges that WILLIAMS used a firearm to commit three of these robberies, and mace in a fourth. In the course of these robberies, WILLIAMS allegedly stole cash and merchandise.

This matter is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Crosswell and Cal Leipold.

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

BATON ROUGE, LA –United States Attorney Walt Green announced that DEONTEZ K, MAYFIELD, age 27, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to possessing a firearm while a convicted felon.  His sentencing date has not yet been set. 

MAYFIELD’s conviction arises from a chain of events that occurred in the early morning hours (1:40 am) of July 6, 2016.  MAYFIELD approached a fully marked East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office unit with his high beams on and proceeded to tailgate within a few feet of the vehicle and then backed off of the vehicle about 50 feet repeatedly.  The EBRSO sergeant driving the unit changed lanes several times and MAYFIELD changed lanes also, each time staying directly behind the EBRSO unit.  The sergeant maneuvered his unit and was able to get behind MAYFIELD and activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop.   MAYFIELD fled briefly before slowing his vehicle to a coast and exiting out of the driver’s side door, as he approached the dead end of the street.  As MAYFIELD exited, he dropped a Ruger, Model 9E, 9mm pistol, equipped with laser sights and loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition.

At the time of his illegal possession of the firearm, MAYFIELD had previous convictions for simple burglary.  He was convicted of Simple Burglary on September 9, 2008 in the 19th Judicial District of Louisiana, case number 05-08-0868; 12 counts of Simple Burglary on March 2, 2010 in the 18th Judicial District of Louisiana, case number 095263; and 8 counts of Simple Burglary on March 2, 2010 in the 18th Judicial District of Louisiana, case number 095826.    

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “The circumstances of this case are deeply troubling.  It takes little imagination to appreciate how badly things could have gone that night.  Armed felons represent a clear danger to our entire community and will be aggressively pursued by our office, together with the ATF and our other federal, state, and local partners.” 

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

This matter was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the cooperation of the District Attorney’s Office for the Nineteenth Judicial District.   The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Kleinpeter who serves as a Deputy Criminal Chief.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced that the eighth and final defendant arising from Operation Road Block, an extensive investigation into a drug trafficking network operation in the Baton Rouge region, has been convicted following a federal jury trial.  The other seven defendants had already been convicted.

Yesterday evening, a federal jury unanimously convicted WILBERT MATHES, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on seven counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams ore more of cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; and unlawful use of a communications facility.  The verdict followed a four day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick.  MATHES was remanded into custody following his conviction and awaits sentencing.

The evidence at trial established that, between August 2010 and July 2011, MATHES had mult-kilogram shipments of cocaine transported from Houston, Texas to Baton Rouge and sold that cocaine for profit throughout the Baton Rouge area and elsewhere.  This drug enterprise included MATHES, Joell Leggins, Marcus Thornton, Damond Reynard Lockett, Lamont Jackson, and Broderick Mathes.

U.S. Attorney Green stated:  “This jury verdict and today’s conviction is a strong reminder of my office’s commitment to fighting the drug trade and those who traffic cocaine for profit.  I appreciate the hard work of the DEA, our dedicated state and local law enforcement partners, and our prosecutors, who are working hard to keep cocaine and other dangerous drugs out of our community.”

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley stated, “This guilty verdict signifies that law enforcement will not tolerate drug dealing in our communities. The DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying every individual within a drug trafficking organization who is responsible for purveying our city with illegal narcotics.”

This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance from Baton Rouge Police Departmant, West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Alchol, Tobacco and Firearms.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kleinpeter and Jessica Thornhill.

BATON ROUGE, LA –United States Attorney Walt Green announced that MITCHELL STERLING HOLMES, age 43, of Port Allen, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick to making false statements to a Federal agency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.  The sentencing date has not yet been set.

During the guilty plea hearing, HOLMES admitted that, after being appointed as an authorized payee for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits on behalf of his minor child, he submitted a required report to the SSA that falsely stated, among other things, that he used benefit payments paid to him on behalf of his minor child when, in fact, he did not use the payments for the care and support of said child. HOLMES admitted that, as a result of his false statements, he caused a loss to the SSA of almost $90,000.00.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Federal benefit programs are often critical to ensuring that children in need, the elderly, and those struck by disaster are afforded a safety net – a fact that the Baton Rouge region knows all too well after the recent flooding.  Defrauding these programs, and by extension the taxpayers who pay for them, is outrageous and will not be tolerated. Fraudsters not only take money from the programs, but their actions threaten to distract from the programs’ positive results.  My office will continue to work with the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and our other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, to aggressively pursue such matters.”

Special Agent-in-Charge Robert G. Feldt of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, stated: “The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, will continue to tirelessly investigate and bring to justice those that commit benefit fraud and misuse their position of trust to victimize children.”

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Dallas Field Division of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced that  on September 13, 2016 AARON LAMBERT, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 846, and money laundering in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, as contained in an Indictment filed in October 2015.  

During a September 13, 2016, hearing, LAMBERT entered his plea before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson. According to the stipulated factual basis that was presented to the Court in connection with LAMBERT’s guilty plea, between December 1, 2013, and April 16, 2015, LAMBERT conspired with nine (9) individuals in California and Louisiana to distribute thousands of pills pressed to resemble oxycodone that, in fact, contained heroin. Upon delivery of the pills in Baton Rouge from California, they were then distributed to mid-level drug dealers and ultimately sold to drug abusers in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes. LAMBERT admitted that, throughout the period of the conspiracy, he knew that the pills contained heroin, and his intent was to sell and profit from the sale of significant amounts of heroin. In addition, in March 2015, LAMBERT also engaged in money laundering from the proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Court accepted LAMBERT’s guilty pleas, scheduled his sentencing hearing for January 5, 2017, and remanded him to the custody of the United States Marshal.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “The guilty plea in this case continues to highlight the benefit of working together with our federal, state, and local partners. It also exemplifies our commitment to eliminate to eliminate drug trafficking and the significant harmful effects on our community resulting from heroin distribution and use, along with our efforts to ensure that ill-gotten financial gains are exposed. This defendant’s conduct is consistent with that of others in not only exposing the community to the horrific effects of heroin, but also the significant risk associated with disguising heroin as a prescription medication – that has been confirmed as a highly dangerous activity resulting in greatly increased overdose deaths throughout the nation. I appreciate the hardworking team of federal, state, parish, and city law enforcement agencies that allowed for the successful identification, arrest, and conviction of this heroin trafficker.”

“On an average day, 78 people in the United States die from an opioid-related overdose,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to targeting those individuals and criminal organizations that are smuggling and distributing this poison and thus fueling this national epidemic.”

Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation, stated: “Drug trafficking organizations engage in increasingly sophisticated financial and operational networks to disguise the proceeds of narcotics sales. IRS – Criminal Investigation is very proud of the work we do to support federal drug investigations, and we will continue to assist the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal agencies in this important mission. Tracing the monetary transactions provides prosecutors with key evidence to support and enhance this vital work.”

This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Louisiana State Police, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, and Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today the unsealing of an Indictment against BRYAN LEE ADDINGTON, age 55, of Ethel, Louisiana.  The Indictment charges the defendant with five counts of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.  The Indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation that will require the defendant to forfeit the proceeds of his fraud if convicted.

The Indictment alleges that the defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud numerous victim investors from January 2010 through at least April 2016.  According to the Indictment, the defendant solicited and obtained over $3.5 million from his victims.  To induce the victims into investing with him, ADDINGTON falsely represented to his victims that their money would be invested in real estate and land, insurance products, and stock, and would be used to purchase insurance policies.  He allegedly represented that such investments were safe and would yield good returns, and that they would, in some cases, bring guaranteed returns.  Meanwhile, according to the Indictment, ADDINGTON allegedly hid from his victims that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority had permanently barred him from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sell securities to the public.

According to the Indictment, once ADDINGTON was in control of the victim investors’ funds, he diverted a substantial portion of the funds to his own personal use, the use of others, and to make payments to other victim investors.  Examples of his personal use including spending at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Galatoire’s Bistro, Victoria’s Secret, Disney Resort, various casinos, and thousands of dollars in purchases of Louisiana State University athletic tickets. 

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 and Louisiana State Police.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Rezaei and Ryan Crosswell. 

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

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green of the Middle District of Louisiana announced that RAPHEW T. REED, JR., age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been convicted of false representation of a Social Security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, in connection of a fraudulent scheme he executed throughout 2012 and 2013 in the Baton Rouge area and elsewhere.  REED entered his guilty pleas before Judge John W. deGravelles and is now awaiting sentencing.  REED faces significant incarceration, fines, restitution, and supervised release following imprisonment, as well as the forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal activity.

REED was a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who held himself out as a financial advisor and as someone who could assist individuals and businesses in obtaining credit and financing.  However, during his guilty plea hearing, REED admitted that, in May of 2012, he knowingly made false statements to a federally-insured credit union in an attempt to obtain a loan.  REED provided the credit union with a false Social Security number and documents that misrepresented his identity, income, and credit score.  When that scheme failed, from late 2012 through April 2013, REED executed a scheme to defraud another company, which, on November 27, 2012, wired $125,000 to REED.  REED fraudulently diverted the funds to his friends, family members, others to whom he owed money, and to another one of his own bank accounts.  When the victim repeatedly asked REED to return the funds, as he had promised he would do, REED falsely represented to the victim that he was in the process of returning the company’s funds.  REED knew that he did not have the funds but continued to make false statements to the victim through April of 2013.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Con artists undermine the financial security of our community and often leave many victims in their wake.  We will continue to vigilantly pursue such criminals with the resources necessary to bring them to justice.”

This ongoing matter is being investigated by the Baton Rouge office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens, who serves as a deputy chief within the office’s Criminal Division.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against ALDEN HALL, age 57, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The Indictment charges HALL with four counts of theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, one count of fraudulently obtaining financial assistance funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1097(a), one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).  The Indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation related to proceeds of the offenses.

The Indictment alleges that HALL, the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Alden’s School of Cosmetology and Alden’s School of Barbering in Baker, Louisiana, engaged in a scheme to steal Title IV funds, specifically, Pell Grant funds, from the Department of Education (“DOED”).  As part of the alleged scheme, the Indictment alleges that HALL caused misrepresentations to be submitted to the DOED, including that certain students were enrolled in Pell Grant-approved programs of instruction when HALL knew that they were actually in programs of instruction which did not qualify for Pell Grants.   The Indictment further alleges that HALL concealed from enrolling students that certain programs offered by her schools did not qualify for Pell Grants, and that HALL caused false and forged documents to be submitted as part of certain students’ financial aid packages for the purpose of qualifying students for Pell Grants.   During a Program Review by the DOED, the Indictment further alleges that HALL concealed her school’s barbering program, which did not qualify for Pell Grants, by moving barbering students from a barbering classroom into a cosmetology classroom, giving barbering students badges that identified them as cosmetology students, and instructing her barbering instructors to not appear at the school during the DOED Program Review.

The Indictment also alleges that HALL caused misrepresentations to the DOED about the number of hours that certain students had attended class and further that certain individuals were students at the school when, in fact, such individuals had never attended class.   The financial aid scheme, as alleged in the Indictment, resulted in HALL and her businesses fraudulently receiving over $100,000 in federal funds.

The Indictment further alleges that in the course of the scheme, HALL transferred criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000 by causing a transfer of $50,000 from a bank account to a check issued to herself on or about December 21, 2011.

Finally, the Indictment alleges that during and in relation to the scheme, HALL used the social security number of another person to steal and embezzle Pell Grant funds in or about June of 2012.

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, and the Internal Revenue Service.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Crosswell. 

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

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the sentencing of Charles C. London, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Today, District Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Charles C. London to serve 322 months in prison.  London was a leading  member of a drug trafficking network operating in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.  The defendant was prosecuted as part of Operation Third World, which resulted in a federal grand jury indictment against 39 individuals.  To date, 33 defendants have either pled guilty or are in the process of pleading guilty and the remaining 4 defendants are set for trial in January 2017.

On January 6, 2016, London pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 2; distribution of MDMC and BZP, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); distribution of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute MDMA, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 2; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c); and unlawful use of a communications facility, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b).

According to the factual basis filed in LONDON’s plea agreement, beginning in early 2013, and continuing through September of 2013, LONDON conspired to distribute at least 21 kilograms of cocaine, 630 grams of crack cocaine and over 9,000 MDMA tablets.  On September 5, 2013, the defendant possessed at his residence in Baton Rouge, LA, in excess of 8,500 BZP pills, over $123,000, a digital scale, a money counter and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol.

U.S. Attorney Green stated:  “Today’s sentence sends a message to drug traffickers that the United States Attorney’s Office  is committed to prosecuting drug traffickers to the full extent of the law with deserved consequences for polluting our streets and ruining the lives of our citizens with dangerous drugs. 

This operation is being 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 Sherriff’s Office, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the Iberville Parish Sherriff’s Office, the Livingston Parish Sherriff’s Office, the Gonzales Police Department, and the Baker Police Department.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kleinpeter and Adam Ptashkin.

United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment on September 7, 2016, charging BELVIN F. TYSON, 60, of Liberty, Mississippi with interfering with the administration of the IRS laws, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.          

The Indictment alleges that TYSON impeded the due administration of the IRS laws, by fraudulently manipulating her clients’ Schedule A deductions, Schedule C income and by adding fraudulent dependents to increase their tax refunds.  The Indictment alleges that in addition to exaggerating her clients’ deductions and income, TYSON also sold the personal identifiable information of others to her clients.  She used this information to claim fraudulent dependents on her client’s tax returns, which increased their tax refund.  Her actions in tax year 2011 and 2012 resulted in a loss of approximately $100,000 to the United States Treasury. 

The investigation of TYSON was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

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.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that CARL D. WRIGHT, age 46, of Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge James J. Brady to one count of bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, and to four counts of making false statements to financial institutions, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1014.  As a result of his convictions, WRIGHT faces a potential prison term as well as restitution to the victim-banks.

WRIGHT operated a company called Nevada Systems, Inc., which was in the business of renovating distressed residential properties.  From 2004 until 2010, WRIGHT executed a scheme to defraud several banks in the Baton Rouge area.  WRIGHT obtained loan proceeds from multiple banks by submitting loan applications that contained numerous materially false statements and information.  WRIGHT’s loan applications were accompanied by fictitious tax returns that WRIGHT had his tax preparer create on his behalf and presented to the banks as proof of income.  The fictitious returns contained inflated income figures and were never filed with the Internal Revenue Service.  WRIGHT and his companies fraudulently obtained approximately $2.5 million from several banks.   

U.S. Attorney Green stated, “In working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this and other cases, our office will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who defraud our banks and financial institutions.  Holding individuals accountable for their actions is crucial to halting fraud and to serving as a deterrent to anyone inclined to engage in similar wrongdoing.”

This investigation was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Brady Casey and Peter Smyczek.

BATON ROUGE, LA –United States Attorney Walt Green announced that on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, LAGUARDIA COSTON, age 29, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge James J. Brady to theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  During a December 2015 guilty plea hearing, COSTON admitted to preparing and filing numerous fraudulent tax returns using stolen personal identifiers, such as names and social security numbers, of 73 separate victims, and, in doing so, stole $102,000 in tax refunds from the U.S. Treasury.

After hearing evidence during the sentencing hearing, Judge Brady sentenced COSTON to a term of imprisonment of 33 months, a term of supervision after release from prison of 3 years, forfeiture of $102,000, and restitution to the U.S. Treasury of $102,000. After serving the adjudged term of imprisonment, COSTON will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office to ensure that she abides by certain conditions imposed by Judge Brady designed to ensure that she embarks on a crime-free path.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “This case exemplifies the importance of our office working in concert with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) to ensure that individuals who use the stolen identities of others and defraud the United States face the justice they deserve. We look forward to continuing our work with IRS-CI and other investigative agencies in the fight to deter both ongoing criminal conduct along with similar criminal conduct considered by others.”

Special Agent-in-Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Jerome R. McDuffie, stated: “This sentence is a stern reminder that participation in refund fraud schemes does not pay and those who do so will be held accountable. Ms. Coston used 73 stolen identities to file false tax returns and obtain refunds for personal gain. Identity theft is an on-going problem and IRS-CI will continue to vigorously investigate those engaged in these illegal activities, and work with the United States Attorney's Office to aggressively protect innocent taxpayers and preserve the integrity of our tax system.”

This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the results of another federal prosecution relating to a multi-state heroin trafficking ring. On August 24, 2016, Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced DARYL WALKER, age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release. WALKER was also ordered to forfeit $72,000 in drug-trafficking-related proceeds. On March 29, 2016, WALKER pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 841, and possession of an illegal firearm, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “My office, together with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue our work to eliminate to eliminate drug trafficking and possession of illegal firearms. In particular, our collaborative law effort has stayed the course in pursuing heroin traffickers who are directly responsible for the significant harmful effects on our community resulting from such distribution. I note that the heroin-trafficking ring, of which Walker was a willing participant, not only exposed the community to the horrific effects of heroin, but also the significant risk associated with disguising heroin as a prescription medication – a practice that has already been identified as resulting in greatly increased overdose deaths throughout the nation.  I sincerely appreciate the hardworking team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that allowed for the successful identification, arrest, and conviction of this heroin dealer.”

“The abuse of heroin and prescription drugs is a serious problem in our communities.  All too often, this abuse leads to addiction, shattered lives, and even death. For the health and safety of our citizens, DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to target those who illegally obtain and distribute these potentially dangerous drugs. This sentencing confirms that we will stand firmly to ensure that criminals who peddle in these poisons and wreak havoc in our communities will never escape from facing the consequences of their criminal activities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Baton Rouge Office and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Baton Rouge Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that BRIAN CAVALIER, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been sentenced to serve ninety-two (92) months in federal prison, as a result of his convictions for making threats by mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e).  Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson ordered the sentence to run consecutive to criminal sentences that CAVALIER may also face as a result of unrelated criminal conduct charged in the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish and the 23rd Judicial District Court in Ascension Parish.  Following his release from prison, CAVALIER will be also required to serve a 3-year term of supervised release.

CAVALIER previously admitted that on November 1, 2013, he mailed a threatening letter to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana in which he falsely and maliciously conveyed that a bomb had been planted in the federal courthouse and that the bomb was set to detonate within twenty-four (24) hours.  CAVALIER had also placed a small amount of a white powdery substance inside the letter’s envelope, and the letter falsely stated that anyone who inhaled the powder would die a “painful death” within 24 hours.  CAVALIER’S letter also falsely stated that there were “shooters” outside the federal courthouse and that anyone who attempted to exit the courthouse would be “shot to death.” 

CAVALIER also admitted that approximately one month later, on or about December 2, 2013, he mailed a second threatening letter, this time to the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, which also falsely and maliciously conveyed that a bomb had been planted in the state courthouse and that the bomb would soon detonate.  The defendant also falsely represented that there were armed men with “high power guns” watching the building and that they would kill people inside the building, too.  This second letter also contained a small amount of suspicious white powder, wrapped in plastic.  At the time CAVALIER sent both letters, he was in state custody in the Avoyelles Detention Center, in Cottonport, Louisiana, on unrelated charges.

U.S. Attorney Green stated:  “Today’s sentence should send a strong message that terroristic threats to the judiciary and others working in the criminal justice system will be dealt with severely.  The defendant’s conduct had a direct impact on hard-working men and women in government who, in the fall of 2013, were just trying to do their jobs and serve the public.  The defendant’s conduct also needlessly diverted first responders and other precious resources away from the legitimate needs of our community.  I appreciate the hard work of the FBI, BRPD, EBRSO, and the Baton Rouge Fire Department, in bringing this defendant to justice, and I appreciate the work of all of the first responders who are called out to potentially-dangerous situations each and every day.”

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working in close coordination with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies.  The matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens, who serves as a Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

BATON ROUGE, LA –United States Attorney Walt Green announced THOMAS J. TANNER, JR., age 50, of Destin, Florida, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028. During the guilty plea hearing, TANNER, a former Project Manager of ISC Constructors, LLC, admitted to using the signature, name, and position of another individual relating to a scheme to defraud his former employer, ISC, along with Chevron U.S.A., Inc., of approximately $1,300,000, which was used to pay himself and others inflated rates for approximately 1 year.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Unfortunately, corporate fraud schemes continue to be employed by criminals both in the United States and worldwide. Moreover, the high-speed nature of communications today has allowed corporate executives to, at times, transmit fraudulent documents via e-mail, with the belief that the documents will be quickly reviewed and approved, and the underlying fraudulent scheme never discovered. This case is another example of my office working in conjunction with the FBI to aggressively identify and prosecute those engaged in identity theft and corporate fraud, as such criminal conduct results in the loss of significant corporate funds and corporate integrity.”

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “The FBI New Orleans Division will continue to investigate allegations of identity theft and similar white collar crimes that defraud Louisiana employers and residents.”

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the fourth conviction in a series of federal prosecutions aimed at a drug trafficking ring which operated in the Gulf Coast states.  A federal jury has convicted KAREEM MCKINNON, age 25, of Crystal River, Florida, of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 2.  The verdict, yesterday afternoon, followed a multi-day jury trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson.  MCKINNON was remanded into custody following his conviction and is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on November 17, 2016.

The evidence at trial established that, between January and March of 2015, MCKINNON and his co-conspirators made multiple trips to the Houston, Texas area, where they would obtain distribution-level quantities of cocaine.  The co-conspirators would drive the cocaine back to Florida, where the cocaine would be distributed.   MCKINNON and his co-conspirators would travel in a two-car caravan, with the cocaine being transported in one car and MCKINNON and other co-conspirators following behind in a separate car, in an effort to evade law enforcement and minimize the risk that all of the co-conspirators could be apprehended.  On or about February 8, 2015, after one such trip to Houston, MCKINNON and his co-conspirators were arrested while driving through Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and found to be transporting more than 4 kilograms of cocaine.

            MCKINNON’S conviction follows the convictions of three co-conspirators:

• Arthur William Armstrong, age 34, of Crystal River, Florida, pled guilty on October 21, 2015 to a bill of information charging him with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine;

• Lamechia Richburg, age 22, of Crystal River, Florida, pled guilty on December 2, 2015, to a bill of information charging her with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; and

• Shelby Collazo, age 21, of Beverly Hills, Florida, pled guilty on December 4, 2015, to a bill of information charging her with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

A fifth individual, Kendall Lewis, age 26, of Crystal River, Florida, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 7, 2016, charging him with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  That case remains pending.

U.S. Attorney Green stated:  “This jury verdict and today’s conviction is a strong reminder of my office’s commitment to fighting the drug trade and those who traffic cocaine for profit.  I appreciate the hard work of the DEA, our dedicated state and local law enforcement partners, and our prosecutors, who are working hard to keep cocaine and other dangerous drugs out of our community.”

This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, with valuable assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Louisiana State Police.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Ptashkin and Robert Piedrahita.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced that yesterday United States District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced two Livingston Parish residents to federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to counterfeit currency.

On April 26, 2016, PHILIP SLAY, age 28, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, was sentenced to a 40-month term of imprisonment, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.  On July 13, 2016, BRANDI ROBINSON, age 29, of Livingston, Louisiana, was sentenced to a 15-month term of imprisonment, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. 

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime.  My office will continue to work with the U.S. Secret Service and our other federal, state, and local partners to help ensure that we protect citizens and businesses from criminals who circulate counterfeit money in our community.”  

Secret Service Agent-In-Charge Luis Velez stated: “The U.S. Secret Service remains committed to suppressing the counterfeiting of U.S. currency and will continue to pursue anyone who violates the faith and trust citizens have in our financial infrastructure”

This matter has been investigated by the United States Secret Service with substantial assistance from the Denham Springs Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

BATON ROUGE, LA – In the wake of today’s tragic events, United States Attorney Walt Green stated: “Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers and those officers who were wounded in this horrific incident.  Today’s attack is truly despicable.  We will devote whatever federal law enforcement resources are necessary to ensure that justice is served.”

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that MARSHA COLE, age 56, of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to aggravated identity theft and engaging in a scheme to defraud numerous banks in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.  As part of the scheme, COLE embezzled approximately $102,257 from her victim accounts at several banks.  She is set to be sentenced on November 17, 2016.

At yesterday’s hearing, COLE admitted that she obtained the personal identifiable information (PII) of her victims and used that information to create fraudulent identification cards.  Armed with that information, COLE went to banks associated with her victims, forged their signatures, and withdrew funds.  Throughout her scheme, COLE admitted that she attempted to withdraw over $136,000 during over thirty-one (31) attempted withdrawals from victim accounts at twenty-one (21) different banks in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.  Ultimately, COLE was able to withdraw over $102,257 from victim accounts.

United States Attorney Green stated: “Fraud against our banks threatens not just the financial institutions, but also their customers and ultimately the taxpayers.  This case is another example of my office working together with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute identity theft offenses, one of the fastest growing crimes in America.”

FBI Special Agent-In-Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “This case is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute individuals who willingly violate the law in order to personally enrich themselves at the expense of others.”

This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  The investigation has been conducted by the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill.

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the results of another federal prosecution related to drug trafficking of heroin pills pressed to resemble Oxycodone. On Tuesday, July 12, 2016, U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced BRANDON KORNBACHER, a.k.a. “Meeko,” age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve 46 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge deGravelles also ordered that the 46-month prison sentence shall run consecutively to any sentence imposed by a Louisiana State Court for a separate drug-trafficking offense pending against KORNBACHER.

On December 9, 2015, KORNBACHER pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 841, and as contained in an Indictment filed in July 9, 2015. As part of his plea, KORNBACHER admitted that on February 28, 2015, officers with the Baton Rouge Police Department discovered 554 pills during a traffic stop of a pickup truck operated by KORNBACHER that had an inoperable headlamp. KORNBACHER initially slowed down to indicate he was stopping, but then accelerated in an attempt to flee. KORNBACHER ran several red lights near  Cortana Mall, pulled over in a residential neighborhood to allow a passenger to flee on foot, and subsequently stopped his truck. After KORNBACHER was placed in custody, the BRPD officers located two plastic bags containing 554 blue pills in the lower storage compartment of the truck. KORNBACHER admitted that he knew that the pills contained heroin and that he intended to distribute the pills at a later time.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “This sentencing resulted from a line of cases prosecuted by my office relating to heroin pills pressed to resemble a prescription pain medication. Leaders in our community recognize the dangers placed on our citizens by drug traffickers who not only distribute heroin, but do so in a form that leads users to believe that they are pain killers prescribed by medical professionals. We, as a community, cannot allow such criminals to continue to profit from the extreme suffering of those addicted to heroin and other opiates. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who deal controlled substances will inevitably face the justice that they deserve. The sentence imposed in this case forwards that effort. I truly appreciate the efforts of the BRPD in stopping this drug trafficker from continuing to distribute heroin and, with the diligent efforts of the DEA, helping to successfully prosecute this case.”

Brad L. Byerley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Baton Rouge Resident Office stated: “Heroin has been poisoning our communities in the greater Baton Rouge area for many years.  In this investigation, DEA and local law enforcement pursued this drug dealer who preyed on the weak and addicted through the distribution of heroin pills disguised as prescription pain medication.  The resulting conviction and sentencing furthers our efforts to prevent heroin trafficking from taking hold in our community.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Baton Rouge Tactical Diversion Squad and the Baton Rouge Police Department, Department, with assistance from the Iberville Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office , and Louisiana State Police.” It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced that an indictment was returned yesterday by a federal grand jury charging Udraka Roberts-Bey, age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jennifer Gabrielle Anselmo, age 22, of Slaughter, Louisiana, of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor.

According to the indictment, Roberts-Bey and Anselmo conspired to, among other things, recruit and induce a 15-year-old female to engage in prostitution and benefit financially from their pay-for-sex enterprise at locations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The indictment alleges that both Roberts-Bey and Anselmo promoted their prostitution business by using the website “backpage.com” to post classified advertisements in the Baton Rouge Female Escorts section for commercial sex acts.

A joint law-enforcement operation involving Middle District of Louisiana Human-Trafficking Task Force representatives, and spearheaded by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, identified the prostitution business run by Robert-Bey and Anselmo, and resulted in their arrest along with the rescue of the 15-year-old victim from a Baton Rouge hotel that was one of several locations where she was trafficked.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Once again a joint-law enforcement task force comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement successfully identified a horrific crime that allowed for the rescue of a minor victimized by adult sex traffickers. Roberts-Bey and Anselmo operated the prostitution business out of greed and with no regard to the fact that they were stealing a child’s innocence. My office will continue to work in concert with our fellow law enforcement agencies to combat human-trafficking in any form, to include commercial-sex and labor trafficking. I appreciate the high-level of dedication and work by agents and prosecutors in this ongoing fight against sex traffickers and ensuring that perpetrators receive the justice they deserve.”

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jeff Sallet stated: “Human trafficking is a serious crime that requires law enforcement collaboration and expertise to successfully combat. This indictment is the result of a joint investigation involving federal, state and local law enforcement working together to confront human trafficking and the threat it poses to our children as well as other vulnerable individuals.”

East Baton Rouge Parish Sid Gautreaux stated: “The Sheriff's Office is committed to dedicating our resources to this joint effort to combat human trafficking in our community. This case is a result of the unprecedented level of collaboration and cooperation among agencies. Human trafficking is a heinous crime that we simply will not tolerate in this parish or elsewhere.”

This case is being investigated by the Middle District of Louisiana Human-Trafficking Task Force, to include the FBI New Orleans Division, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police, with assistance from the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced today “the FBI’s New Orleans Division, the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana have opened a civil rights investigation into the death of Alton Sterling.  The Justice Department will collect all available facts and evidence and conduct a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation.  As this is an ongoing investigation we are not able to comment further at this time.” 

A Louisiana woman was sentenced today to 16 years in prison for conspiring to commit sex trafficking of a minor, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney J. Walter Green of the Middle District of Louisiana and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet of the FBI’s New Orleans Division.

Kellie M. Dominique, 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick of the Middle District of Louisiana, who also ordered her to serve a five-year term of supervised release. 

In connection with her plea, Dominique admitted that from June 2013 until September 2013, she conspired with others to promote the prostitution of a minor female out of Dominique’s home and other venues.  In order to manage and carry on the prostitution business, Dominique admitted that she and the minor female regularly used telephones to schedule prostitution sessions and to discuss the proceeds earned from the prostitution sessions.  Dominique also admitted that she facilitated the minor female’s posts on Backpage.com classified advertisements for commercial sex acts in Louisiana and elsewhere.  Dominique further admitted that she provided the minor female with illegal drugs and used such drugs with the minor female.  Finally, when authorities began to investigate her illegal conduct, Dominique made false statements to government officials and corruptly influenced potential witnesses.  

Four others have been convicted in related cases in the Middle District of Louisiana, including Jeremie Tate, 34, of Zachery, Louisiana, who was sentenced in September 2015 to serve 115 months in prison for operating an interstate prostitution enterprise.

The FBI’s Baton Rouge Child Exploitation Task Force, comprised of East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and Louisiana State Police, investigated the case with assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department’s Narcotics Division, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and other law enforcement agencies.

Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie A. Flowers Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

BATON ROUGE, LA – U.S. Attorney Walt Green, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Division announced today that KELLIE M. DOMINIQUE, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick to 16 years in prison for conspiring to commit sex trafficking of a minor, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  DOMINIQUE was also ordered to pay the victim $15,000 in restitution and to forfeit $15,000 in illegal proceeds from the offense.

At her guilty plea hearing, Dominique admitted that from June 2013 until September 2013, she conspired with others to promote the prostitution of a minor female out of Dominique’s home and other venues.  In order to manage and carry on the prostitution business, Dominique admitted that she and the minor female regularly used telephones to schedule prostitution sessions and to discuss the proceeds earned from the prostitution sessions.  Dominique also admitted that she facilitated the minor female’s posts on Backpage.com classified advertisements for commercial sex acts in Louisiana and elsewhere.  Dominique further admitted that she provided the minor female with illegal drugs and used such drugs with the minor female.  Finally, when authorities began to investigate her illegal conduct, Dominique made false statements to government officials and corruptly influenced potential witnesses. 

Four others have been convicted in related cases in the Middle District of Louisiana, including Jeremie Tate, 34, of Zachery, Louisiana, who was sentenced in September 2015 to serve 115 months in prison for operating an interstate prostitution enterprise.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Today’s sentence should send a loud and clear message about the severe and real consequences that face those convicted in federal court of sexually trafficking minors.  Our office is strongly committed to aggressively pursuing these offenders with our federal, state, and local partners, both through federal prosecutions and our leadership on the Middle District of Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force.  I commend the outstanding efforts of the prosecutors and agents who worked on this very important matter.” 

FBI SAC Sallet stated:  “Human Trafficking is an ever present threat that warrants our daily attention and law enforcement expertise.  This sentence shows the severity of the crime and magnitude of Human Trafficking throughout the nation. Through federal, state and local law enforcement collaboration we are better able to confront and investigate this crime and its threat to our children.”

The FBI’s Baton Rouge Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Louisiana State Police and the East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department’s Narcotics Division, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and other law enforcement agencies. 

Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie A. Flowers Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced the results of another federal prosecution related to the trafficking of opiates.  U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced KENDRICK D. ALEXANDER, age 43, of Baton Rouge and New Iberia, Louisiana, to serve 10 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  ALEXANDER was also ordered to forfeit $60,000 in drug-trafficking related proceeds and pay a $25,000 fine. 

On March 12, 2015, following a four-day jury trial, ALEXANDER was convicted of possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 841(a)(1).  Evidence at trial showed ALEXANDER to be a significant drug trafficker who served as a supplier for lower-level dealers.  To illustrate, the evidence showed that, from August 5, 2014 to August 14, 2014, in a series of recorded conversations, ALEXANDER negotiated a price of $60,000 for 5,000 30-mg oxycodone tablets and, in addition, had agreed to weekly drug deals at the same terms.  At trial, the evidence showed that ALEXANDER intended to sell the oxycodone pills to other drug dealers for further distribution.  Following the aforementioned negotiations, when stopped by law enforcement officers on August 14, 2014, ALEXANDER had $60,000 in a white paper bag, which monies were intended for the drug deal. 

U.S. Attorney Green stated:  “The opiate and heroin epidemic is an increasing national problem perpetuated by wholesale traffickers, like this defendant, who seek to exploit the addicted for profit.  This sentencing should serve as a reminder of the significant prison terms and monetary penalties that await such offenders.  I appreciate the efforts of the DEA and BRPD who continue to work together with our office and others in the law enforcement community to aggressively battle opiates and heroin.” 

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baton Rouge Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cam Le and Ryan Crosswell.