Middle District of Louisiana

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Hugo Gomez, age 34, of Laredo, Texas, to 240 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.  The Court further sentenced Gomez to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on February 6, 2019, Gomez possessed with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm in furtherance of his intent to distribute the methamphetamine as he traveled through Iberville Parish, Louisiana, in the Middle District of Louisiana.  Shortly after 9 p.m., patrol agents with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Gomez’s vehicle.  At the time of the stop, Gomez had in his possession, a black leather bag containing 4902 grams of methamphetamine, (98% purity) and a loaded .357 Caliber H&K pistol. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Our office remains committed to disrupting the drug trade by prosecuting those who ply this dangerous trade in our communities.   We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the Middle District from career offenders.  I applaud the excellent work of our prosecutors along with DEA and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office.”

Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi praised the hard work and dedication of his interdiction team and said, “We remain committed to our partnerships with federal, state and other local law enforcement agencies to stop drugs and gun in our parish.”

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with substantial assistance from the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Morris. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Todd Mixon, age 50, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud before Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick.    

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Mixon solicited potential victims to invest in investment groups or ventures, in which he promised to trade their pooled funds in the foreign exchange markets, and at the end of the venture, promised to return to each victim his or her proportionate share of the group’s pooled funds, including profits. 

In order to induce victims to invest with him, Mixon made numerous materially false promises and representations, including that the funds would be used only for trading in the foreign exchange markets through forex trading outlets; Mixon would invest his own funds in the venture; he would take a small percentage of net profits as a commission; and no other funds would be withdrawn until the end of the investment.  To make the investments appear legitimate, Mixon sent victims text messages with screen shots of fake trades and emails with fake account statements from foreign exchange trading platforms, which falsely showed steadily increasing values in the victims’ purported ventures.  Mixon further falsely told victims that their investments were making profits.

In truth, none of the money that Mixon received from victims was ever invested in any market, but was instead either diverted to his personal use or used to pay other victims their “proceeds.”  Ultimately, Mixon convinced at least 47 individuals to invest with him and obtained at least $550,001 in victim funds. 

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Wrongdoers like Mr. Mixon who scam innocent victims for their own personal benefit will be held accountable.  We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who devise and participate in these types of schemes and, more importantly, restore justice to the victims to the best of our ability.   I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of our prosecutor and the FBI for their exemplary work in this case.”

“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Mr. Mixon who engage in fraudulent foreign trading schemes that impact innocent investors will be held accountable.  Mr. Mixon knowingly deceived dozens of investors out of over $500,000 and chose to use their money for his own selfish greed,” said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.  “I would like to thank the efforts put forth by our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Louisiana and the Miami Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for helping the FBI disrupt fraud like this.”

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth White who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Casondra Reagan, age 44, of Denham Springs, to 15 months in federal prison following her conviction for conspiracy to commit fraud connected to major disaster declaration emergency benefits.  The Court further sentenced Reagan to serve three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment and pay restitution in the amount of $50,000.

Following the 2016 flooding that affected 12 parishes in south Louisiana, the Small Business Administration (SBA) made low interest loans available to people who had sustained damage to their residences as a result of the flood.  The loans came with caveat that the funds must be used to repair or replace property damaged by the flood.

According to admissions made as part of her guilty plea, Reagan and another agreed to apply for an SBA loan for their residence damaged by the 2016 flood and planned to use the loan to pay off other loans they already had.  At no point did they intend to use the SBA loan to repair or replace things damaged by the flood.

Reagan and another applied for and were approved for a $92,500 SBA loan for their Denham Spring residence.  SBA dispersed over half the loan funds to Reagan.  The loan funds were spent on a trip for four to Disney World, fast food restaurants, gym membership fees, etc.  No funds were used to repair or place flood damaged property, nor were any payments made on the loan itself.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Federal disaster assistance funds are funds dedicated to assist those affected by a disaster.  When these funds are stolen, not only is the federal government victimized, but also the true disaster victims who rely on these funds to return their lives to pre-disaster normalcy.  My office will continue to work effortlessly with our law enforcement partners to prosecute and hold accountable those who steal from the U.S. taxpayers for their own personal gain.”

“SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program is intended to aid recovery for individuals and businesses that are victims of disasters,” said SBA OIG’s Central Region Special Agent-in-Charge Sharon Johnson.  “SBA OIG will relentlessly pursue evidence of misuse of those funds for personal gain.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Thornhill. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Ismael Ochoa, age 34, to 90 months in federal prison following his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine, and unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise.

The Court further sentenced Ochoa to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and forfeit $5,735.

Ochoa was charged along with twenty-one other individuals in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking organization – Jellystone – a large-scale cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine trafficking network based in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, with suppliers in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and Colton, California.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Ochoa agreed with others, to smuggle heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine into Angola, which is located in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, in the Middle District of Louisiana.

On September 25, 2017, Ochoa traveled from San Bernardino, California, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to assist in smuggling marijuana and methamphetamine into Angola.  Upon his arrival in Baton Rouge, Ochoa borrowed a Glock handgun to keep during his stay in Baton Rouge.  On or about October 1, 2017, Ochoa helped Individual 1 package approximately 3 pounds of marijuana and 4 ounces of methamphetamine to be smuggled into Angola and traveled with Individual 1 to Angola to assist in the smuggling. 

Between July 2017 and September 2017, Ochoa received over $5,735 as payment for illegal controlled substances, to include heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine that were distributed by two illegal drug dealers in California, and shipped to Louisiana for delivery to inmates in Angola, to include an Angola inmate.  Ochoa then used these funds to distribute to members of the drug-trafficking conspiracy with which he was involved, and also to pay the California drug dealers, and others, for heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine that had been shipped to Louisiana and then smuggled into Angola for further distribution by the Angola inmate.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This defendant is one of the key leaders of a drug distribution conspiracy which brought significant amounts of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine into our district and penal system.  Those involved include inmates at Angola serving either life or other significant terms of imprisonment, former Angola guards, and drug suppliers from California.  This sentencing restores justice in order to protect our citizens and promote respect for the law.  I want to thank our prosecutor, the FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Feliciana Sheriff, and the Louisiana Department of Corrections who worked tirelessly, and in constant coordination, to advance the goal of eliminating opioids and other harmful drugs from our district.”

“The FBI’s goal is to identify and target criminal enterprises and other groups engaged in drug trafficking.  Today, justice was served to Mr. Ochoa who chose to traffic and distribute illicit narcotics in Angola State Penitentiary.  I want to thank the efforts and collaboration of the United States Attorney's Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Feliciana Sheriff, and the Louisiana Department of Corrections who worked tirelessly to dismantle this criminal enterprise,” stated the FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.  “I assure you, the FBI will continue to enforce the laws and intervene when drug traffickers distribute narcotics on the streets or in the prison system.”

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Louisiana Department of Corrections and West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

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

The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a statewide civil investigation into Louisiana’s prisoner release practices.

The investigation will examine the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ policies and practices for ensuring the timely release of state prisoners in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Corrections who are incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities, including practices related to prisoners who are eligible for immediate release.

The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter. The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the Department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights that result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.

The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section is conducting this investigation jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via phone at 1-833-492-0097 or by email at community.louisianadoc@usdoj.gov.

Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.

United States Attorney Brandon J.  Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Taylor Haynes, age 29, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to serve 198 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution and possession of child pornography.  The Court also ordered that, after imprisonment, Haynes serve five years of supervised release, during which Haynes would be restricted from contact with minors.  As part of the judgment issued in this case, Haynes was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $21,000, and he will be required to register as a convicted sex offender for life. 

According to court records in this case, law enforcement officials received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reporting an incident where Haynes utilized the Facebook Messenger application to distribute child pornography to another Facebook user.  Acting on this tip, law enforcement officials obtained and executed a search warrant on Haynes’s residence.  During the search of the residence, law enforcement officials learned that Haynes possessed over 20 images and 40 videos of prepubescent minors and minors under 12 years old, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  The search also revealed a number of videos and images of Haynes sexually abusing a dog.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence contributes to the safety and security of children not only in our community, but around the world.  Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue individuals whose actions exploit our youth.  I applaud the work of our prosecutor and local, state and federal agents involved in this matter.”

“Investigating individuals like Taylor Haynes is one of the highest priorities of the FBI. Mr. Haynes violated innocent lives and we will continue to take an aggressive approach to identify unknown individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children and the production of child sexual abuse material,” stated Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.  “This sentence is the culmination of an investigation conducted by Special Agents and Intelligence Analysts who work tirelessly to remove sexual predators from children’s lives through the justice system.”  

This case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with substantial assistance provided by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr., who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Shanard Zelron Banks, age 32, to 181 months in federal prison following his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, unlawful use of a communication facility, and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.  The Court further sentenced Banks to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearms involved be forfeited along with $20,000 and a 2011 Porsche Panamera that he purchased using drug trafficking proceeds.

Banks was charged along with twenty other individuals in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking organization – FreeBandz – based and operating in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  As a result of this investigation, 19 defendants have been convicted, 10 have been sentenced and one is scheduled for jury trial in February of 2021.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Banks controlled the organization’s illegal pill-pressing operation whereby he and his co-conspirators used pill press machines, punches, dies, and pill pressing chemicals to illegally manufacture tens of thousands of counterfeit controlled substance pills.  The counterfeit pills were tainted with undisclosed amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl analogues, clonazolam, and other controlled substances that Banks’ co-conspirator obtained from sources located in Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, California.  These pills were then imprinted with various marks, including several for controlled substance pharmaceuticals.  Thereafter, Banks and his co-conspirators distributed the counterfeit pills to others for further distribution in Baton Rouge, Mississippi, the New Orleans metropolitan area, and elsewhere.  The drug trafficking operation formed in or before 2016 and continued until it was disrupted by law enforcement intervention in 2018.

During their investigation, law enforcement agents recovered a .380 caliber Taurus revolver, a .556 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic rifle, and five semi-automatic pistols of varying calibers from a number of residences and commercial premises that were used to store drugs and drug proceeds, and to conduct drug transactions.  These firearms were possessed by Banks and a co-conspirator with the purpose of advancing Banks’ drug trafficking operation.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This defendant is one of the key leaders of a drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking large amounts of counterfeit pills laced with heroin and other illegal drugs throughout our district.  This sentencing has significantly advanced efforts to restore law and order in the community. The combined federal, state, and local efforts that culminated in this conviction once again reflect our unified front against crime in this district. I appreciate the tremendous dedication and hard work by the agents and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on this important matter.”  

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael R. Sader said, “Illegal dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine, destroy lives and have far-reaching negative effects in communities where they take hold.  By targeting local distribution networks in the Baton Rouge area and beyond, DEA and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are working to reduce overall crime and improve the quality of life for area residents.  The numerous arrests and seizures in this investigation are the result of our close cooperation and part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that drug traffickers are held responsible for the harm they cause.  This lengthy sentence sends a message of our unending resolve to pursue drug traffickers who wreak havoc in our communities.”

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

This OCDETF operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the Baton Rouge District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Baton Rouge Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kleinpeter, who also serves as a deputy criminal chief.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced the conviction of two defendants charged in Operation Hidden Fee, an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a narcotics trafficking network in Baton Rouge.  The Indictment filed in this matter charged significant offenses involving heroin, methamphetamine, and “crack” cocaine, as well as several firearms offenses. 

On October 27, 2020, Travis R. James, age 30, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the leader of this drug trafficking organization, appeared before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick and pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute one or more kilograms of heroin, five or more kilograms of cocaine, and 280 grams or more of “crack” cocaine; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  He faces a maximum penalty of not less than ten years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment, over $10,000,000 in fines, and forfeiture of criminally-derived proceeds.

On October 28, 2020, Troy James, age 39, of New Roads, Louisiana, appeared before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick and pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and “crack” cocaine.  He faces a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and forfeiture of criminally-derived proceeds.

An extensive investigation revealed that Travis James and Troy James conspired with each other and with others to negotiate for and purchase kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin in Houston.  Their source of supply in Houston in turn received the narcotics from Mexico.  Travis James, Troy James, and others then brought the narcotics to Baton Rouge for sale and distribution.  To this end, Travis James maintained local stash houses where he kept hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, stored and cut large quantities of cocaine into smaller distribution amounts, and cooked powder cocaine into “crack” cocaine. 

Travis James entrusted Troy James to supervise couriers and prepare cash for transport to Houston to purchase the narcotics.  On June 12, 2017, Travis James directed an associate to take approximately $200,000 in cash to Troy James who then turned the cash over to two couriers.  Law enforcement interdicted the couriers on a Greyhound bus bound for Houston and seized the bundled cash wrapped in duct tape.  The investigation uncovered other significant cash purchases of narcotics by the Travis James narcotics trafficking organization in Houston.

On June 13, 2017, while executing search warrants at Travis James’ stash houses in Baton Rouge, investigators seized over $300,000 in cash, narcotics paraphernalia, and six firearms, including three AK-style pistols, ammunition, and high-capacity magazines.  An additional $179,000 in cash was seized in another warrant search from Travis James’ safe deposit box at a local bank.  Travis James had an earlier conviction for possession of cocaine, arising in the 19th Judicial District Court, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The convictions of two members of this drug trafficking organization was the result of a long term, extensive investigation by our federal, state, and local partners, and demonstrate that this office will shepherd these resources to disrupt the drug trade in our communities.  I want to thank our prosecutors and all of our partners for their excellent work in this case.”

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program 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 investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with invaluable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge City Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police.  Other agencies assisted in apprehending the defendants, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Sheriff’s Offices in Ascension, Iberville, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Piedrahita and Lyman Thornton, III.

A federal grand jury recently returned a three-count indictment charging Brittany Monroe Knapp, age 34, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, with wire fraud and identity theft.  Knapp appeared for her arraignment today and pled not guilty to the pending charges. 

According to the indictment, from 2014 to 2019, Knapp worked for Oceans Behavioral, LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oceans Healthcare.  Between October 2017 and December 2019, Knapp engaged in a scheme to defraud Oceans Healthcare, wherein she created and controlled multiple PayPal online merchant accounts, and used the Oceans Healthcare corporate credit cards of two employees to send funds electronically to the PayPal online merchant accounts she controlled.  Once funds were credited to PayPal accounts, she transferred these funds into her personal bank accounts.

Further, Knapp allegedly forged an employee’s signature on “capital expense request” approval forms, falsely representing that she was authorized to incur the aforementioned fraudulent expenses, then created false and fraudulent invoices in the names of real businesses, falsely representing that said companies had provided the goods and services to Oceans Behavioral.  Using these false and fraudulent invoices, Knapp submitted “expense reports” to Oceans Healthcare electronically that falsely represented that real businesses had provided the purchased goods and services to Oceans Behavioral.  These expense reports caused Oceans Healthcare to pay for the fraudulent credit card charges. 

Throughout the course of the fraudulent scheme, Knapp, without authority, embezzled over $750,000 of Oceans Healthcare funds to which she was not entitled.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter J. Smyczek. 

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

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced this week that Corey Roshel Powell, age 42, of Delhi, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.  Janie Johnson Smith, age 40, of Monroe, Louisiana, was also indicted with wire fraud for her participation in the scheme.  The pair face terms of imprisonment of up to 20 years, fines, and periods of supervised released upon conviction.

The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program is a federally-funded child nutrition program that is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. The SFSP is designed to ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer when school is not in session.

According to court records, Powell owned and operated The NELLA Foundation (NELLA), a non-profit organization domiciled in Darrow, Louisiana, which served as a sponsor for the SFSP.  Smith, an employee of NELLA, managed the day-to-day operations of NELLA’s feeding sites.  Over the course of the summers of 2014 and 2015, Powell and Smith inflated the number of meals NELLA purportedly served to low-income children and submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement based on the inflated numbers.  Powell and Smith also falsified program documents to support the false claims for reimbursement.  Once the funds were transmitted to NELLA, Powell and Smith used SFSP funds for their own personal expenses such as car and rent payments, or withdrew the funds as cash.  Additionally, Powell and Smith ordered food for NELLA’s purported operations through lines of credit obtained with food distribution companies, and once reimbursed for these expenses by the Louisiana Department of Education, the two defaulted on the lines of credit and instead converted the funds for their own personal use and financial gain.  Over a two year period, NELLA submitted and received approximately $265,000 in SFSP funds. 

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Stealing taxpayer money intended to feed hungry children is a shameful crime that will be dealt with harshly by this office and our partners in the FBI and Louisiana Office of Inspector General.  The conviction of one and the indictment of his accomplice are the first steps in bringing these criminals to justice, and a confirmation of our commitment to protect government programs intended for those who truly need assistance.”

“Mr. Powell aided by Ms. Smith used funds designated for the USDA Summer Foods Service Program which provides nutritional meals for children in low income families for his or their own personal expenses. Defrauding taxpayers and taking food out of the mouths of children who can’t provide for themselves is reprehensible,” said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.  “I would like to thank the efforts put forth by our partners at the Louisiana Office of Inspector General for helping the FBI disrupt corruption like this.”

Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street commented, “In stealing over a quarter million dollars intended to feed hungry children, these defendants showed no concern at all for the taxpayers or the children those funds were supposed to benefit.   They brazenly broke the law, and it is entirely appropriate to hold them criminally accountable.  Together with our law enforcement partners, the Louisiana OIG will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals who commit this fraud for as long as it takes to send the message that those who steal from the taxpayers do so at their own peril.”  Street added, “I want to thank United States Attorney Brandon Fremin and his staff for their usual outstanding work, as well as our partners at the FBI.”

This matter is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Craig.     

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Fatima Sesay, age 29, of Laurel, Maryland, to serve 16 months in federal prison following her conviction for obstruction of justice.  The court also ordered Ms. Sesay to serve two years of supervised release following her release from prison.

Earlier this year, Sesay was convicted of obstruction of justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1503, after she made numerous statements intended to mislead and deceive a pending federal grand jury investigation into a computer fraud that affected a business in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, among other victims.  In the underlying fraud, after the victim shipped tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of its products to a customer in Amman, Jordan, the customer received a series of fraudulent e-mails directing it to send payment to an account at Wells Fargo Bank.  Relying on the messages and wiring instructions, the customer wired the requested funds to the account.  The Louisiana-based victim had not sent the e-mails, however, and unbeknownst to the customer, the wiring instructions were fraudulent.  The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) had insured the underlying transaction, and the EXIM Bank’s Office of Inspector General quickly began investigating the fraud.

The investigation eventually revealed that in July of 2016, after a series of transactions, the proceeds from the fraud were deposited into a Bank of America account that Sesay had opened in Maryland earlier that year.  In fact, between November 2015 and September 2016, across dozens of suspicious transactions, nearly $500,000 had passed through accounts maintained in the defendant’s name.  Federal authorities contacted Sesay and made several attempts to secure truthful information from her about her knowledge of the scheme.  Instead, as Sesay has admitted, she knowingly obstructed the investigation, first by making numerous evasive and misleading statements in an interview with federal agents in January 2019, and then by providing false testimony before a federal grand jury in Baton Rouge in April 2019.  The defendant repeatedly minimized the extent of her relationship with one of the subjects of the investigation and provided false information intended to divert the federal investigation into the underlying cyber fraud.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “A basic underpinning of our system of justice is that participants on all sides remain open and honest.  Candid participation in the criminal justice process is critical to the pursuit of justice, and those who intentionally mislead, obstruct, or lie to a grand jury in our investigations will be held accountable.  This conviction and sentence clearly demonstrates how seriously we in the federal system treat those who obstruct justice.  I commend our prosecutor and the Export-Import Bank of the United States – Office of Inspector General for their excellent work in this matter.”

EXIM Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States, and assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. Complaints and reports of waste, fraud, and abuse related to EXIM Bank programs and operations can be reported to the OIG hotline at 888-OIG-EXIM (888-644-3946) or via email at IGhotline@exim.gov.

This matter was investigated by the Export-Import Bank of the United States – Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel of the Criminal Division.  

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin has announced recent federal grand jury indictments leading to the arrest of seven Baton Rouge men on various firearms and drug trafficking offenses.  The federal arrests all occurred on October 13, 2020, and were part of a coordinated federal interagency initiative to address narcotics trafficking and violent crime.  Charged in separate indictments and arrested as part of this initiative were the following individuals, all of Baton Rouge:

Tyjiri Anderson, age 21, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.  On September 7, 2020, Anderson possessed a Zastava model PAP M92PV, 7.62x39 caliber pistol, 150 rounds of Blazer .40 caliber S&W ammunition, and 25 rounds of Wolf 7.62x39 caliber ammunition.

Benjamin Fields, age 20, for receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment.  On September 17, 2020, Fields received a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, 556 caliber pistol while under indictment for a felony.

Albert Stewart III, age 26, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On August 29, 2020, Stewart possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SD9, 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

Trayneil T. Gaines, age 25, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On August 17, 2020, Gaines possessed a Spike’s Tactical Model ST15, 300 caliber rifle.

Charles Anthony Brown, age 21, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On  June 26, 2020, Brown possessed a Glock Model 36, .45 caliber pistol.

Marvin D. White, age 37, and Lorenzo D. Cain, age 27, for conspiracy to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin.  Throughout April 2020, White and Cain committed these various narcotics trafficking offenses. 

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime.  It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.  The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime. 

These matters are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with critical assistance from the Louisiana State Police, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and the Baton Rouge Police Department.  These matters are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William K. Morris and Paul J. Pugliese.

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

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Patricia Jones will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election.  AUSA Jones has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Louisiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, DC.

United States Attorney Fremin said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud.  The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur.  The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.  For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law.  Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Fremin stated that AUSA/DEO Jones will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (225) 389-0443.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (225) 291-5159. 

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC, by telephone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

United States Attorney Fremin added, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate.  It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

This week, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorney’s Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.

“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences.  The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”

“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo.  “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions.  ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”

Of the more than 14,200 cases charged nationwide, 72 firearms cases have been filed in the Middle District of Louisiana during the same period, announced United States Attorney Brandon Fremin.  The majority of these cases have involved convicted felons who illegally possessed firearms.  However, the district has also addressed, among other gun crimes, false statements to licensed firearms dealers and domestic violence offenders who themselves cannot legally possess firearms.  The 72 local case total also reflects matters where firearms were possessed, carried, or used in connection with federal violent crime or narcotics trafficking offenses.  Even with COVID 19 challenges, United States Attorney Fremin noted, the Middle District of Louisiana continues to obtain successful results against dangerous firearms offenders.  Recently a federal trial jury convicted Robert Earl Tucker, Jr., age 45, of various gun charges, to include brandishing a loaded firearm at a Wal-Mart in Baton Rouge and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.  Tucker now faces a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison.

United States Attorney Fremin stated: “Our office has made protecting the community from violent crime a top priority in the Middle District of Louisiana. We have successfully used some of the best tools available to law enforcement to keep firearms out of the hands of those who pose a danger to the innocent, and to prosecute and convict prohibited persons from possessing or using firearms to bring violence. We are joined in this by the various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who are the front line defenders of the public, and without their tireless efforts, our success would not be possible.”

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime.  It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.  The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime. 

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.           

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that United States District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Michael Allen Worley, age 60, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 144 months in federal prison following his convictions for bank fraud and wire fraud.  The Court further sentenced Worley to serve 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.  Worley was also ordered to pay $15,751,905.26 to his various victims.  Worley was remanded to federal prison at the conclusion of the hearing.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Worley executed schemes to defraud both banks and private equity firms by submitting multiple false and fraudulent loan applications on behalf of himself and businesses he owned, operated, or controlled.  Between 2014 and 2018, Worley obtained more than $27 million in new loans from federally-insured banks in Baton Rouge and around the country through materially false and fraudulent statements and representations.  Through a similar scheme, Worley obtained at least an additional $13 million from private equity firms in Louisiana and Texas, also through materially false and fraudulent statements and representations.  During the course of his bank and wire fraud schemes, Worley inflated his assets, understated and omitted his liabilities, misrepresented his income, and often misrepresented other things, including the intended use(s) of millions in loan proceeds.  In some instances, Worley and his businesses defaulted on the loans, causing the financial institutions and private equity funds to suffer financial losses of over $15 million. Worley filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2018.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “Mr. Worley defrauded banks and other lenders for his own personal benefit and is held accountable by today’s sentence.  We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who participate in these types of schemes and, more importantly, restore justice to the victims to the best of our ability.  I would like to recognize the efforts of our prosecutor and the FBI for their exemplary work in this case.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that individuals who engage in fraudulent schemes that impact the security of financial institutions will be held accountable. In addition to this sentencing Mr. Worley will be responsible for restitution in excess of $15,500,000. This should be a deterrent to others who would attempt to manipulate the nation’s banking system,” said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

This matter was investigated by the Baton Rouge Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter J. Smyczek. 

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Nathan Haymer, age 42, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to federal program theft.  As a result of his guilty plea, Haymer faces a significant term of imprisonment, fines, and a period of supervised release.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Haymer served as Director of Bands at Southern University A&M College (“Southern University”) and, in that role, was responsible for leading Southern University’s marching band, which performed at Southern University athletic events and a wide variety of other events both within Louisiana and across the United States.  Haymer’s duties included making purchases and paying expenses during the band’s trips.

According to the Bill of Information containing the charges, from November 2016 through March 2018, Haymer intentionally misapplied more than $30,000 that Southern University had provided to him to be used for official band expenses.  Specifically, according to the Bill, on more than a dozen occasions, Haymer submitted false documents, such as fictitious and forged invoices from purported vendors, knowing that he had not incurred the expenses reflected on the documents. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The actions of this defendant betrayed the trust of the taxpayers and tarnished the image of the Southern University Band, a beloved institution of our community.  I want to thank the prosecutor, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the FBI, and the Louisiana State Police for their investigative efforts which resulted in this conviction.”

“Mr. Haymer’s greed was evident by stealing money that was intended for Southern University’s students who participate in their nationally acclaimed band program.  His guilty plea today should be a deterrent to others who would attempt to defraud the taxpayers," said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera stated, “It is good see justice was served.”

This matter is being investigated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens, who also serves as Senior Litigation Counsel.    

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, and Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, Western District of Louisiana, jointly announce that the State of Louisiana received a total of $26,541,823 in six United States Department of Justice grants to respond to critical issues in local law enforcement and victims’ rights and services. 

Three grants were awarded to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE).  The first award in the amount of $23,490,366 provides funds from the federal Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the state.  The second award of $1,414,000 provides funds from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance State Victim Compensation payments to eligible crime victims.  And third, $190,769 was awarded to the Louisiana Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), which is the research division of the LCLE.  LSAC has been tasked with assessing how law enforcement in the State of Louisiana is meeting the challenge of the present opioid crisis.

In addition, the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice has been awarded $770,806.  The purpose of this program is to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. Supported activities and efforts may include planning and administration and development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency and programs to enhance the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system.

As a final matter, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office was awarded $177,123 to fund a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on the parish’s specific needs and conditions, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections was awarded $498,759 to continue implementing the Adult Reentry and Employment Strategic Planning Program.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The federal grant money distributed to our state and local partners exemplifies the Department of Justice’s commitment to provide resources to address critical issues in local law enforcement and to vigorously support victims’ rights and services.  Awards, such as these, promote the continuing success of our joint federal, state and local law enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of our community and to support those citizens who have been victimized.”

U.S. Attorney Strasser stated, “The announcement of Louisiana’s awards highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford law enforcement the opportunity to implement innovative programs needed to respond to critical issues in local law enforcement, victims’ rights and services and juvenile justice system services and improvements.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Van Hook stated, “Every defendant that is convicted of a federal crime is ordered to pay an assessment which goes to the Crime Victims’ Fund.  Federal grants such as these that have been awarded to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement are an example of how those funds are passed on to local agencies and of how justice is serving victims of crime in the State of Louisiana.  We will continue to pursue justice for the people in the Western District of Louisiana and throughout the state.”

Recently, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the results of the Paycheck Protection Plan (“PPP”) Criminal Fraud Enforcement Action, a new relief measure in the CARES Act designed to reduce pandemic-related fraud.  As part of the CARES Act, the federal government made hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans available to American businesses through the PPP.  Specifically, PPP loans were made available to businesses so they would have funds to keep paying their employees, in order to avoid catastrophic job losses during a time of national emergency. 

As of August 8, 2020, over 5.2 million loans had been approved, for a total federal business support expenditure in excess of $525 billion.  At Attorney General Barr’s direction, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section began to monitor the use of these public funds and, where appropriate, combat fraud in connection with the PPP program.  In less than six months, more than 50 defendants have been charged with allegedly committing fraud to obtain money from the PPP.  These charged cases involve attempts to steal over $175 million from the PPP, with the actual losses to the federal government of over $70 million.

These cases span the country and are diverse in size and scope, involving fraud ranging from loan requests for $30,000 to approximately $24 million.  Investigations revealed false statements regarding number of employees, average monthly revenue and payroll figures, and applicants’ criminal histories. False documents were also submitted in support of applications to include falsified tax records, false payroll and revenue records, and in some cases, stolen personal information from unsuspecting third parties.  Fraudulently-obtained federal funds were sometimes used to purchase luxury items such as homes, cars, vacations, and jewelry.

Federal agencies involved in this nationwide effort include the FBI, Internal Revenue Service–Office of Criminal Investigations, Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, and FDIC–Office of the Inspector General, as well as U.S. Attorney’s Offices.  Financial institutions are critical partners to federal authorities by detecting and investigating potentially fraudulent activity and freezing funds and accounts.  Investigations into PPP fraud continue to be ongoing around the country.

“The PPP was developed to ease the pain of COVID-19 economic restraints on working Americans.  The Department of Justice, and in particular my office here in the Middle District of Louisiana, is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who abuse the system for personal gain and will use every resource at our disposal to protect those federal dollars and the businesses they are intended to help.  I urge anyone who believes he or she is a victim of this type of fraud to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud.”

The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a national coordinating agency within the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters, and other emergencies such as COVID-19.  Members of the public who suspect fraud, involving the Payroll Protection Program, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the NCDF Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721.  The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  You can also file a complaint via our online complaint portal at www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.

A federal grand jury recently returned a fourteen-count indictment charging Elliott Sterling, age 32, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with wire fraud, financial aid fraud, and engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from specified unlawful activity.  Sterling appeared for his arraignment yesterday and pled not guilty to the pending charges. 

According to the indictment, between September 2017 and November 2019, Sterling engaged in a scheme to defraud the United States, wherein he enrolled individuals into classes at Baton Rouge Community College (“BRCC”) and illegally obtained federal financial aid funds on their behalf.  In order to accomplish this, Sterling filed Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSAs”) on behalf of each individual and misrepresented their prior education history, income, and dependents.  Sterling also withheld his identity as the preparer of the FAFSAs.  The indictment alleges that out of the over 250 individuals that Sterling secured funds on behalf of, only 32 had earned the requisite high school diploma or GED to qualify for those funds.  In addition, Sterling obtained financial aid funds on behalf of individuals he knew were incarcerated.

Sterling used false information to execute Master Promissory Notes on behalf of the individuals and withheld the fact that the source of funds were loans that would need to be repaid by the individuals.  When asked for documentation by BRCC, Sterling assisted the students with providing false information, including fake diplomas and/or transcripts.  On occasion, Sterling would present himself as a student and paid others to impersonate students at BRCC.

After securing the financial aid funds, usually into his personal account or the account of his entity, Sterling Educational Consulting, LLC, Sterling issued a portion of the funds to the individuals and, without their knowledge, retained at large portion of the total refund for his own personal enrichment. 

Sterling is also charged with one count of money laundering relating to a $256,000 withdrawal of fraud proceeds from his personal bank account for conversion into a bank check. 

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Education – Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Jarreau. 

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

Assistant United States Attorney John Gaupp announced his retirement after more than 36 years of service with the Department of Justice.  In 1994, Mr. Gaupp was named as the first Chief of the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Louisiana, and currently serves in that capacity.  In addition to serving as the division chief for more than thirteen years, he has also served as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel and Ethics Advisor. 

Mr. Gaupp has participated in a variety of notable litigation, substantially impacting Baton Rouge and the surrounding area.  Early in his career, Mr. Gaupp helped plan and obtained warrants for the contemporaneous seizure by the IRS of property from Adler “Barry” Seal, a major drug smuggler for the notorious Medellin Cartel.  He also worked with Government officials in bringing suit under the Sherman Act to break the alleged monopoly on OB/GYN services then held by the Woman’s Hospital Foundation.

In the mid-1990s, Mr. Gaupp actively participated in settlement negotiations in civil rights litigation challenging the formation and continued existence of the Metropolitan Council, which led to the adoption of a redistricting plan.  Mr. Gaupp also served as local counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice in all school desegregation cases in this federal district, including the cases in East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Livingston Parishes.

Mr. Gaupp worked on numerous environmental cases brought by the Department of Justice on behalf of the EPA.  Significantly, he played a major part in negotiations with the City of Baton Rouge that led to the Consent Decree addressing the city’s then crumbling sewer system, which ultimately led to the overhauling and redesigning of its sewer system.  He also worked in brokering a deal between the U.S. Department of Justice, the City of Baton Rouge, and residents living in close proximity to the north Baton Rouge sewerage treatment plant to relocate residents whose living conditions were drastically effected by the treatment plant.  Mr. Gaupp served on the litigation team in the case against Louisiana Generating, LLC (“La Gen”) for asserted Clean Air Act violations at its Big Cajun II plant, resulting in La Gen reducing its emission and funding other environmental mitigation projects.  Using the Government’s authority to take property through eminent domain proceedings, Mr. Gaupp acquired the property needed by the Corps of Engineers to build the Lilly Bayou Control Structure, thereby clearing the way to begin construction of the Comite River Diversion Canal. 

Beyond litigating cases, Mr. Gaupp is co-drafter of the legislation enacted as the Federal Debt Collections Procedures Act, which provides the legal procedures for the enforced collection of federal debts throughout the country.  He has also served as a nationwide mentor for Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the area of bankruptcy law. 

Mr. Gaupp said, “I don’t have any definite plans as to how I will spend my retirement.  I am sure that I will find multiple causes to throw myself into; but for now – after almost more years on the front lines of federal litigation than I can remember – I’m looking forward to a little ‘rocking chair therapy’ on my back patio with my wife who I adore.”

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “As noted by John’s impressive career as a public servant, he has been an incredible asset not only to this office, but to the Department of Justice, and the many communities we serve in the Middle District.  John is an outstanding attorney who would have enjoyed great success in any endeavor he pursued, but he chose to devote his professional life to public service seeking justice and protecting the rights of the United States and its citizens.  John’s absence will surely be felt, and I wish him all of the best in retirement.”

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that the Middle District of Louisiana received $499,458 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime, to provide safe, stable housing and other appropriate services to victims of human trafficking. 

The recipient, Empower 225, is a charitable foundation located in Baton Rouge dedicated to helping those who are at risk of homelessness and dependency locate permanent housing and secure employment, occupational training, and counseling.  Their HOPE Team provides supportive services and mentoring to victims of human trafficking and also facilitates training for those who serve these victims.  The grant awarded to Empower 225 will provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rent, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs.  Empower 225 is among 73 organizations receiving more than $35 million in OVC grants to support housing services for human trafficking survivors.

“Human trafficking is a barbaric criminal enterprise that subjects its victims to unspeakable cruelty and deprives them of the most basic of human needs, none more essential than a safe place to live,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Throughout this Administration, the Department of Justice has fought aggressively to bring human traffickers to justice and to deliver critical aid to trafficking survivors. These new resources, announced today, expand on our efforts to offer those who have suffered the shelter and support they need to begin a new and better life.”

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This funding is a tremendous boost to our efforts to combat human trafficking and serve victims so desperately in need of help.  This funding will assist victims of this terrible crime by allowing service providers to enhance their efforts in combatting human trafficking in Louisiana.  This is yet another example of the Justice Department’s support of local organizations that serve and mentor crime victims in our district.”      

“Human traffickers dangle the threat of homelessness over those they have entrapped, playing a ruthless game of psychological manipulation that victims are never in a position to win,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will empower survivors on their path to independence and a life of self-sufficiency and hope.”

Human trafficking offenses are among the most difficult crimes to identify, and the scope of human trafficking victimization may be much greater than the limited data reflect. A new report issued by the National Institute of Justice, another component of the Office of Justice Programs, found that the number of human trafficking cases captured in police reports may represent only a fraction of all such cases. Expanding housing and other services to trafficking victims remains a top Justice Department priority.

The Office for Victims of Crime, for example, hosted listening sessions and roundtable discussions with stakeholders in the field in 2018 and launched the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center. From July 2018 through June 2019, 118 OVC human trafficking grantees reported serving 8,375 total clients including confirmed trafficking victims and individuals showing strong indicators of trafficking victimization.

For a complete list of individual award amounts and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/htvictimsfactheet.pdf

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the conviction of Robert Earl Tucker, Jr., age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Tucker was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 2, 2020, and charged with three counts of making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer, one count of possession of a firearm by a person adjudicated as a mental defective, and one count of possession of ammunition by a person adjudicated as a mental defective. 

After a  three-day trial before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick, the jury unanimously convicted Tucker.  As the evidence at trial demonstrated, Tucker was adjudicated as a mental defective in December 2011.  On three separate occasions after this adjudication, he attempted to purchase firearms from various licensed firearms dealers.  During the attempted purchases, Tucker completed forms, on which he falsely stated that he had not ever been adjudicated as a mental defective.  After signing the forms, Tucker submitted the forms to the licensed dealers,  who transmitted the information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. 

The firearm and ammunitions charges were based on two separate incidents.  On August 6, 2019, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office responded to a dispatch regarding an armed individual at the Wal-Mart store located at 10550 Burbank Drive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  That individual was later identified as Tucker.  He was detained and searched for weapons, during which a loaded Ruger firearm was discovered.  Subsequently, on June 8, 2020, Tucker was found to be in possession of forty-one (41) rounds of 9mm ammunition and thirty-eight (38) rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.

As a result of his convictions, Tucker now faces a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison, significant fines, restitution, and supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “I want to commend the courageous and bold action of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s officers who swiftly responded to an active shooter situation and ATF for their critical assistance.  This conviction rightfully removes Mr. Tucker from the community and underscores the importance of enforcing federal firearms violations.  I commend our dedicated law enforcement personnel and our prosecution team for their outstanding efforts to prepare and present this case to the jury.”   

“Mental illness is a serious concern in our communities.  This case illustrates the inherent dangers of a mentally ill person possessing firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn.  “Thanks to the swift reaction by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the situation was contained without it turning tragic.  ATF will continue to work hand-in-hand with our state and local partners to keep our communities safe.”

“The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the partnership we have with the U.S. Attorney and his dedication to prosecuting these cases on the federal level,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said.  “We will continue to dedicate our personnel and resources to initiatives that ensure the safety of our community.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with critical assistance from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eli J. Abad and Demetrius D. Sumner. 

United States Attorney Brandon J.  Fremin announced that U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Jesse Sloane, age 59, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, to serve 68 months in federal prison following his conviction for receipt of child pornography.  Sloane will also be required to serve five years of supervised release and register as a convicted sex offender upon his release from prison.

According to admissions Sloane made during his plea, on March 14, 2018, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force agents executed a search warrant at Sloane’s home where agents recovered computer equipment from his bedroom, which contained numerous images of child pornography.  During a post-Miranda interview, Sloane admitted that the electronic devices were his and that he was responsible for downloading child pornography at the residence. 

A subsequent forensic examination of Sloane’s devices revealed more than 600 images of child pornography including images and videos of prepubescent minors under the age of 12 years engaged in various sex acts.  

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence demonstrate the commitment this office has to prosecuting those who exploit our children, who are among the most innocent and vulnerable among us.  My office looks forward to continuing our partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement to aggressively pursue these child predators.  I want to commend our prosecutors and the FBI for their excellent work in this case.”

“Investigating individuals like Jesse Sloane is one of the highest priorities of the FBI.  He violated innocent lives by sexually exploiting children and viewing child sexual abuse material.  This sentence is the culmination of an investigation conducted by special agents, intelligence analysts, and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force agents who worked tirelessly to bring him to justice,” stated Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. 

This case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. 

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Demetrius D. Sumner and Jamie A. Flowers, Jr., who also serves as a Deputy Criminal Chief.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Michael Brown, Jr., age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 180 months in federal prison following his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, distribution of furanyl fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes, and unlawful use of communication facilities.  The Court further sentenced Brown to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearms involved be forfeited.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Brown was a member of a drug trafficking organization based in Baton Rouge, engaged in distribution of various drugs, including manufacturing counterfeit controlled substance pharmaceutical pills. 

Between October 19, 2016, and January 11, 2017, Brown distributed hundreds of counterfeit pills bearing the identifying mark and imprint of oxycodone in exchange for a total of $14,500.  The counterfeit pills were submitted to the DEA Laboratory for chemical analysis and actually contained heroin and furanyl fentanyl.  On June 29, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Brown’s apartment in Baton Rouge and recovered seven firearms, ammunition, ballistics vests, and drugs.  Law enforcement officers recovered thousands of pills in Brown’s bedroom, which the DEA Lab found to contain methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This is yet another step in reaching our office’s goal of reducing crime and aggressively enforcing federal law.  I applaud the excellent work of our prosecutors along with DEA and ATF.”

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

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

This OCDETF operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the Baton Rouge District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Baton Rouge Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kleinpeter, who also serves as a deputy criminal chief, and Assistant United States Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Justin Williams, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 110 months in federal prison following his convictions for distribution of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.  The Court further sentenced Williams to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on March 22, 2019, Williams sold heroin to a confidential informant from his vehicle in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office detectives subsequently stopped Williams’ vehicle, at which time heroin, a stolen Glock 9mm pistol with a fully loaded 30-round extended magazine, and $2,077.00 in cash were recovered.  Williams was previously convicted of illegal possession of stolen things and cruelty to the infirmed in 2009, and possession of Schedule II drugs in 2013.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “Convicted felons like this defendant who illegally arm themselves and sell drugs, particularly opioids, create a dangerous situation for our citizens and for law enforcement and it must stop.  My office and our partners remain committed to punishing convicted criminals who do so.  Great credit goes to our partnership with local authorities for this result, and I want to thank our prosecutor, the ATF, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.

“In our effort to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF will continue to focus efforts on prohibited individuals who unlawfully possess firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn.  “ATF will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with critical assistance from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William K. Morris.

The Department of Justice has awarded $2.2 million in grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) Community Policing Development (CPD) Microgrants Program. COPS Office Director Phil Keith announced 29 awards with award amounts ranging from $15,090 to $100,000.

On July 7, 2020, the Department of Justice announced that Louisiana State University Police Department was one of the 29 law enforcement recipients selected to receive a Community Policing Development Microgrant Program grant. LSU will use the $88,229 grant to address the issue of school safety with its project, “Statewide Approach to Higher Education School Safety in Louisiana.” The project will focus on building a comprehensive approach to school safety across all public higher education institutions in Louisiana through workshops across the state.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “With the rising rates of academic violence, it is vital for law enforcement and school institutions to work together in pursuing effective counter-measures against these risks. This funding is a critical step in aiding LSU as they develop, refine, and improve school security and I applaud them for their proactive measures.”

“This grant will aid LSU as they work with educational institutions and law enforcement agencies throughout the state to improve school safety,” said David C. Joseph, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. “I am thankful to the Department of Justice and COPS for providing these resources.”

“The announcement of Louisiana’s CPD Microgrants award highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford our state the innovative programs they need to improve planning, information sharing and public higher education response capabilities, as well as to enhance public safety and combat crime.” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Peter G. Strasser.

“The CPD Microgrants Program is a critical resource to advance innovative community policing projects across the country,” said Director Keith. “These strategic investments from the COPS Office pay huge dividends to state and local law enforcement agencies and the communities that they serve.”

CPD Microgrants Program funds are used to develop the capacity of local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies to implement community policing strategies. Applicants were invited to propose demonstration or pilot projects to be implemented in their agency that offer creative ideas to advance crime fighting, community engagement, problem solving, or organizational changes to support community policing in one of the following areas:

•           Human Trafficking

•           Meeting Rural Law Enforcement Challenges

•           Officer Safety and Wellness

•           Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention

•           School Safety

•           Staffing and Allocation Studies

•           Victim-Centered Approaches

•           Violent Crime

•           Youth Engagement

Funding through this program is available for the first time since 2018, following the successful removal of a nationwide injunction. These awards are being announced at a critical time for our country, when community policing strategies are very much needed to improve police and community relations.

The complete list of awards can be found here. To learn more about CPD Microgrants, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/cpdmicrogrants. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Derrick J. Banks, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 84 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  The Court further sentenced Banks to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearms and ammunition involved be forfeited.

According to admissions Banks made as part of his guilty plea, on February 27, 2019, detectives with the Baton Rouge City Police Department executed a search warrant at Banks’ residence.  A loaded Beretta PX4 Storm, .40-caliber pistol and a loaded Romarm/Cugir Model M10-762, .762 caliber rifle were located in Banks’ bedroom. 

Prior to possessing the firearms, Banks was convicted in 2004 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Banks was also convicted in 2017 in East Baton Rouge Parish for bank fraud. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Sending repeat offenders to prison is another example of our commitment to fight violence and how the collaborative efforts of the federal, state, and local law enforcement can make our streets safer.  I want to thank our prosecutor, ATF, and the Baton Rouge City Police for their efforts.”

“ATF, in this joint effort, will continue to focus on repeat offenders, like Derrick Banks, who is prohibited from possessing firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “The sentence imposed today will reduce firearm related crimes and keep our communities safe.”

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Baton Rouge Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Piedrahita and Kristen Craig.

Four former supervisory correctional officers at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana — Daniel Davis (43), Scotty Kennedy (52), John Sanders (34), and James Savoy, Jr. (42) — were sentenced on July 2, for their roles in assaulting an inmate who was handcuffed, shackled, and not resisting, and for conspiring to cover up their misconduct by devising a false cover story, submitting false reports documenting that cover story, tampering with witnesses, and lying under oath.

Kennedy, Sanders, and Savoy each pleaded guilty, and Davis was convicted in one trial of the obstruction and in another trial of the beating. At Davis’s trials, Kennedy and Sanders, among other officers, testified for the government and described the abuse and the extensive cover up.

The trial evidence established that Davis initiated the beating by yanking the inmate’s leg chains, causing the inmate to fall face-first onto the concrete breezeway. At that point, Davis and other officers punched, kicked, and stomped on the inmate, leaving the inmate with a dislocated shoulder, a hematoma, a collapsed lung, and broken ribs. Davis later ordered his subordinate officers to cover up the beating by falsifying reports, fabricating prison records, and lying to investigators.

District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Davis, the ringleader of the beating and cover up, to 110 months of imprisonment. Sanders and Savoy were sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, and 24 months of imprisonment, respectively. Kennedy, the least culpable officer, was sentenced to a 14 month term of probation during which he will be required to team up with the FBI to give presentations to federal, state, and local correctional officers about the consequences of using excessive force and falsifying reports.

“The Justice Department does not tolerate assault by correctional officers of the people they are charged with protecting,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The division works tirelessly to protect the civil rights of all citizens.”

“Corrections officers are sworn to protect those within our prison systems,” said Brandon J. Fremin U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. “Those officers who carry out vicious attacks such as this strip citizens of their basic civil rights and dishonor the work of honest law enforcement officers. The sentences handed down today serve as an example of officials being held accountable for violations of the public trust that was placed in them.”

"Along with our partners, the FBI will aggressively investigate allegations wherein correctional officers abuse their position of power and authority over prisoners to deny them their constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “The FBI is appreciative of its partnerships with the Office of the State Inspector General, the Louisiana Department of Corrections and especially the Investigative Support Unit at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, to root out correctional officers who choose to break the law and physically abuse restrained inmates.”

“The rule of law suffers the most whenever those in positions of trust abuse that trust,” said Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street. “This is especially true of corrections officers, who are given great power over inmates. Beating a handcuffed and shackled inmate, as these defendants did, is a clear violation of the law and the United States Constitution, and can never be tolerated. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these cases whenever and wherever they may arise. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin and his staff, the U.S. Department of Justice-Civil Rights Division, as well as the FBI and Department of Corrections for their work on this case.”

The internal investigation into this incident, which resulted in the termination of all four officers, was led by Colonel Michael Vaughn and Captain Doug McDonald of Angola Prison’s Investigative Services Unit.  The federal investigation was led by the FBI’s Baton Rouge Resident Agency Office, with assistance from the Louisiana State Inspector General’s Office. The federal case was tried by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorneys Zachary Dembo and Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section in partnership with Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick A. Menner, Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana.

Four former supervisory correctional officers at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana — Daniel Davis (43), Scotty Kennedy (52), John Sanders (34), and James Savoy Jr. (42) — were sentenced on July 2, for their roles in assaulting an inmate who was handcuffed, shackled, and not resisting, and for conspiring to cover up their misconduct by devising a false cover story, submitting false reports documenting that cover story, tampering with witnesses, and lying under oath.

Kennedy, Sanders, and Savoy each pleaded guilty, and Davis was convicted in one trial of the obstruction charges and in another trial of the beating charge. At Davis’s trials, Kennedy and Sanders, among other officers, testified for the government and described the abuse and the extensive cover up.

The trial evidence established that Davis initiated the beating by yanking the inmate’s leg chains, causing the inmate to fall face-first onto the concrete breezeway. At that point, Davis and other officers punched, kicked, and stomped on the inmate, leaving the inmate with a dislocated shoulder, a hematoma, a collapsed lung, and broken ribs. Davis later ordered his subordinate officers to cover up the beating by falsifying reports, fabricating prison records, and lying to investigators.

District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Davis, the ringleader of the beating and cover up, to 110 months of imprisonment. Sanders and Savoy were sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, and 24 months of imprisonment, respectively. Kennedy, the least culpable officer, was sentenced to a 14 month term of probation during which he will be required to team up with the FBI to give presentations to federal, state, and local correctional officers about the consequences of using excessive force and falsifying reports.

“The Justice Department does not tolerate assault by correctional officers of the people they are charged with protecting,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The division works tirelessly to protect the civil rights of all citizens.”

“Corrections officers are sworn to protect those within our prison systems,” said Brandon J. Fremin U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. “Those officers who carry out vicious attacks such as this strip citizens of their basic civil rights and dishonor the work of honest law enforcement officers. The sentences handed down today serve as an example of officials being held accountable for violations of the public trust that was placed in them.”

“Along with our partners, the FBI will aggressively investigate allegations wherein correctional officers abuse their position of power and authority over prisoners to deny them their constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “The FBI is appreciative of its partnerships with the Office of the State Inspector General, the Louisiana Department of Corrections and especially the Investigative Support Unit at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, to root out correctional officers who choose to break the law and physically abuse restrained inmates,”

“The rule of law suffers the most whenever those in positions of trust abuse that trust,” said Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street. “This is especially true of corrections officers, who are given great power over inmates. Beating a handcuffed and shackled inmate, as these defendants did, is a clear violation of the law and the U.S. Constitution, and can never be tolerated. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these cases whenever and wherever they may arise. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin and his staff, as well as the FBI and Department of Corrections for their work on this case.”

The internal investigation into this incident, which resulted in the termination of all four officers, was led by Colonel Michael Vaughn and Captain Doug McDonald of Angola Prison’s Investigative Services Unit.  The federal investigation was led by the FBI’s Baton Rouge Resident Agency Office, with assistance from the Louisiana State Inspector General’s Office. The federal case was tried by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorneys Zachary Dembo and Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section in partnership with Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick A. Menner Jr. of the Middle District of Louisiana.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced John Butler, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 78 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The Court further sentenced Butler to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on April 3, 2019, Baton Rouge Police Department conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling well above the posted speed limit and having extremely dark window tint on the side and rear windows and a tinted cover on the license plate in violation of state and local traffic laws.

The BRPD officer smelled the strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside of the vehicle as the driver rolled down the window.  The driver and Butler were removed from the vehicle at which time a small plastic baggie containing heroin in the front passenger door was observed in plain view.  Upon further search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm was located on the front passenger-side floorboard near the center console.  

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence reaffirms our commitment to investigating, arresting, and prosecuting convicted criminals who decide to illegally possess firearms and sell drugs.  Great credit goes to our partnership with local authorities for this result.  I want to thank our prosecutor, the ATF, and the Baton Rouge Police Department for their work on this case.”

“The sentence imposed today sends a message to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms that they will be held accountable for their actions,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn.  “ATF will remain focused on providing a safe environment to the communities and neighborhoods that are affected by crime.”

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

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin today advised the public that fraudulent cards and other documents bearing the Department of Justice seal are being distributed around the country with written advisories that persons are exempt from COVID-19-related face mask requirements.

There have been reports of individuals handing out cards claiming that the bearer is exempt from face mask requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Department of Justice also is aware of postings or flyers on the Internet making similar claims.  Many of these documents include the Department’s seal.  The following is an example of one such card that has been distributed in another state:

These documents were not issued by the Department, and the Department does not endorse them.  The Department also has not granted permission for the use of its seal for this purpose.  Misuse of the Department seal is a federal crime.

The Department urges the public not to rely on the information contained in these documents and to visit https://www.ada.gov/ for ADA information issued by the Department.

For more information and technical assistance about the ADA, please contact the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY).

United States Attorney Brandon Fremin announced that United States District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Stephano Walkers, age 25, of Jamaica, to serve 40 months in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to bring or possess cocaine on board of a vessel arriving in the United States.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Walters was arrested on February 13, 2019 by Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) agents that were conducting surveillance of cargo ships arriving into the United States.  Walters had smuggled over nine kilograms of cocaine onto a Jamaican cargo ship called the “Bulk Pangea” that was bound for the United States.  After docking in the United States, Walters then transported the cocaine to Baton Rouge.  There, he was arrested by HSI agents while attempting to deliver the cocaine to members of a drug trafficking organization. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Aliens who come into the United States with the intent of committing crimes pose a serious threat to the safety of our citizens.  Our office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to apprehend, convict, and remove this menace from our country.  I want to commend our prosecutor and our partners at HSI who worked diligently throughout this investigation and prosecution.

“HSI is committed to holding all those involved in transnational drug smuggling accountable,” said Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge for HSI New Orleans.  “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana to keep our communities safe.”

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter J. Smyczek.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that that United States District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Charles Hunt, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 32 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This sentence is to run consecutive to any sentence imposed on state charges pending against Hunt. The Court further sentenced Hunt to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

According to admissions Hunt made as part of his guilty plea, on April 25, 2018, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with Baton Rouge Police Department officers, went to a residence in Baton Rouge to execute an active arrest warrant for Hunt. After Hunt was brought to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, law enforcement obtained evidence indicating that Hunt, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm that he kept in the residence where he was arrested. Law enforcement secured a search warrant for the residence and located a Smith & Wesson, Model SD 40, .40 caliber handgun, in a bedroom were Hunt was residing.

Prior to possessing the firearm, Hunt was convicted in 2014 of attempted simple burglary and simple burglary

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This investigation, which involved a collective effort by several of our Violent Crime Strike Force partners, and the resulting conviction and sentencing of Hunt, exemplifies our effort to pursue offenders who have previously committed serious crimes and continue to engage in such conduct. Our collective efforts also reflect our continuing commitment to keep our community safe. I want to thank the ATF and Baton Rouge Police Department for their efforts.”

“The sentence imposed today sends a message to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms that they will be held accountable for their actions,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “Reducing firearm related crimes and keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe is the top priority for ATF.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Baton Rouge Police Department, with critical assistance provided by the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Demetrius Sumner and Paul L. Pugliese. 

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

Today, United States Attorneys Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, and David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, joined the Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to announce nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids. 

In the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana State Police Department will receive $2,998,794.00 in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This funding is a tremendous boost enabling the Louisiana State Police to enhance their efforts in combatting opioid-related issues across the state.  This grant serves as another demonstration of the Department’s commitment to support law enforcement’s front line efforts in protecting the communities they serve.”

“With the allocation of this funding, the Louisiana State Police will have the necessary capital to develop strategies to investigate illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil; the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids; and unlawful heroin and prescription opioid traffickers through statewide collaboration,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser.  “The announcement of this COPS award highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to ensure our state and local partners have the tools they need to enhance public safety and combat illicit drug use throughout our community.”

“The fight against opioid abuse is among our nation’s most pressing law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “This funding will help the Louisiana State Police continue their collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle illegal opioid distribution networks throughout the state. This funding shows the Department’s commitment to address the opioid epidemic and improve public safety for Louisiana citizens.”

“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith.  “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”

Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States.  Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid.  More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.

The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF).  AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids.  This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

•  Louisiana State Police           $2,998,794.00

Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies.  These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures.  State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.

The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work.  During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms.  Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.

The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award

The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here:  https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Derrick Gallien, age 36, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 180 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Gallien’s federal prison sentence will be served consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed for numerous firearm and drug trafficking charges currently pending in Louisiana state courts.  The Court further sentenced Gallien to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the recovered firearm and other contraband be forfeited.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on January 5, 2018, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives went to a Courtyard Marriott hotel located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to execute an arrest warrant for Gallien issued during a separate investigation. In response to a knock on the door, Gallien opened the hotel room door and was arrested by the detectives.  Detectives also recovered a distribution quantity of heroin, a loaded gun, Gallien’s ID card, cash, a digital scale, empty syringes, three cell phones, and a bottle of powder used to “cut” drugs, on top of and inside of a nightstand inside of Gallien’s hotel room.  During a subsequent interview, Gallien that the gun and drugs found inside of his hotel room belonged to him. 

Prior to announcing the sentence, District Judge deGravelles noted that Gallien was a career offender whose instant conviction follows ten prior convictions for various offenses, including convictions for serious offenses, twelve adult arrests, and six pending criminal cases, one for which Gallien was arrested while in federal custody.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “Our office takes seriously the issue of guns in the hands of career criminals.  We will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state and local partners to protect our district from chronic offenders. I want to thank our prosecutors, the ATF, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.”

“In our commitment to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF in this joint effort, will continue to focus on career criminals, like Derrick Gallien, who possessed a firearm in conjunction with narcotics violations,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn.  “Reducing firearm related crimes and keeping our community safe is the top priority for ATF.”

“The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the partnership we have with the U.S. Attorney and his dedication to prosecuting these cases on the federal level,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said.  “We will continue to dedicate our personnel and resources to initiatives that ensure the safety of our community.”

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with critical assistance from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Demetrius Sumner.   

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Donald Daigle, age 63, of Plaquemine, Louisiana, to twelve months and one day in federal prison following his conviction for fraudulently obtaining disability payments from the Social Security Administration.  The Court further sentenced Daigle to two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea in November 2019, Daigle falsely claimed he was disabled and unable to work as a result of a 1998 automobile accident.  He also admitted that from June 2002 through October 2018, on numerous occasions he concealed and failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration that he built, opened and ran daily operations as a small business owner, Duck’s Quick Stop and Pizza, in Plaquemine, Louisiana until it closed in 2009.  Thereafter, Daigle failed to disclose that he performed work as a commercial truck driver and as a forklift operator employed at a chemical plant.  He further admitted that, as a result of his fraudulent scheme, he knowingly and illegally collected $457,460 in payments to which he was neither entitled nor eligible.  As part of his sentence, Daigle has been ordered make full restitution to the Social Security Administration

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “I commend the efforts of our prosecutor and our partners at the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General for bringing this defendant to justice.  Social programs are designed for those in our society who legitimately need help.  Today’s sentence should serve as a warning that my office will vigorously pursue those who game the system.”

This investigation was conducted by the Dallas Field Division of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

Today, U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.

The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Raised in large part by my grandparents, I understand how important our seniors are and the value they add to our communities. They should be respected and revered, not targeted.  Whether criminals use the COVID pandemic or seek to enrich themselves by taking advantage of a lifetime of hard work and savings, those who target our elders should know I will use every resource available to the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. 

Major strides have already been made to that end:

• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
  Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
   
• Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel.  Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
   
• Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors
   
• Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
   
• Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.

For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the filing of charges against Nathan Haymer, age 42, of Houston, Texas, for federal program theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666.

As alleged in the Bill of Information, Haymer served as Director of Bands at Southern University A&M College (“Southern University”) and, in that role, was responsible for leading Southern University’s marching band, which performed at Southern University athletic events and a wide variety of other events both within Louisiana and across the United States.  Haymer’s duties included making purchases and paying expenses during the band’s trips.

According to the Bill, from November 2016 through March of 2018, Haymer intentionally misapplied more than $30,000 that Southern University had provided to him to be used for official band expenses.  Specifically, according to the Bill, on more than a dozen occasions, Haymer submitted false documents, such as fictitious and forged invoices from purported vendors, knowing that he had not incurred the expenses reflected on the documents. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin commends Southern University for their cooperation in the investigation, appreciates the work of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor in preparing the underlying audit, and he applauds the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police to bring these charges.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Stevens. 

A bill of information is merely an accusation.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.    

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that a criminal complaint was issued charging Terry Lemond Dorsey, age 21, Kenyatta Sheire Huggins, age 22, and Shamyrin Djhodi Johnson, age 22, all of Baton Rouge, with conspiracy to maliciously damage or destroy by fire buildings used in interstate commerce.  The subjects had been previously arrested on state arson charges and were taken into custody on federal charges earlier today.  These charges concern a series of arsons at four commercial properties in the Baton Rouge area.

The criminal complaint alleges that, on May 31, 2020, St. George Fire Protection District investigators responded to a fire at Tai Industries, Inc., 6410 Fieldstone Drive.  On June 1, 2020, St. George Fire Protection District investigated another suspicious fire at AutoZone Auto Parts Store, 11554 Airline Highway.  Also on June 1, 2020, Baton Rouge Fire Department investigators responded to two separate fires, at Tiger Tire Shop, 4415 Plank Road, and at AAA Tire Shop, 6160 Airline Highway.  All four fires were determined to be arson.

The criminal complaint further alleges that, on June 4, 2020, Dorsey, Huggins, and Johnson were arrested on state charges connected to the four arsons and, after being advised of their Miranda rights, admitted to conspiring with each other to set fire to commercial buildings.  They stated that, prior to setting the fires, they attended the protests on Siegen Lane in Baton Rouge.  Each stated that he or she was motived to commit arson as part of the current protest activities concerning police conduct.

U.S. Attorney Fremin commended the outstanding actions and efforts of the law enforcement agencies who worked to quickly identify the suspects and bring these charges, including the St. George Fire Protection District, Baton Rouge Fire Department, Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Pugliese.  If convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of five to twenty years in prison.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.    

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

United States Attorney Brandon J.  Fremin announced that U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Brian Normand, age 30, of Zachary, Louisiana, to serve 195 months in federal prison following his conviction for production of child pornography.  The Court also ordered Normand to serve fifteen years of supervised release after imprisonment, and he must register as a convicted sex offender for life. 

According to admissions Normand made during his plea, on or about August 29, 2015, Normand used his phone to create a video depicting a juvenile male under the age of 12 years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Normand then utilized the internet to upload the video, via his Google accounts where he also stored other images of child pornography, to the servers of the Google Drive Photos file storage infrastructure. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This case highlights the commitment and efforts of the entire law enforcement community – federal, state, and local – to work together to protect our children from sexual predators.  No child should ever suffer the horrors and indignities that this defendant inflicted upon the victim in this case.  May this sentence serve as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that may await others inclined to engage in similar conduct.  I am grateful for the excellent work of all those involved in bringing this defendant to justice.”

“Investigating individuals like Brian Normand is one of the highest priorities of the FBI. He violated innocent lives by sexually exploiting children and producing child sexual abuse material.  This sentence is the culmination of an investigation conducted by Special Agents and Intelligence Analysts who worked tirelessly to bring him to justice,” stated Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.

This case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with substantial assistance provided by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office – Cyber Crime Unit, and the Department of Homeland Security.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie A. Flowers, Jr., who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief. 

United States Attorneys Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, and Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, jointly announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Louisiana are joining federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to preserve Louisiana citizens’ rights to free speech and assembly while protecting our communities from violence and destruction.

In a statement on Sunday, May 31, U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr noted that federal law enforcement resources would be available to assist state and local leaders in their efforts to ensure peaceful protests and to reestablish law and order. Attorney General Barr said that federal resources will be directed at apprehending and charging the violent radical agitators who have taken over peaceful protests and are engaging in violations of federal law.

According to U.S. Attorneys Fremin, Joseph, and Strasser, joint federal, state, and local coordination is designed to use available federal assets to assist state and local partners in maintaining order and allowing people to peacefully assemble, while protecting against violence and destruction.

Specifically, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices are also working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to identify criminal organizers and instigators, and seek federal prosecutions where applicable. The FBI’s JTTFs are the nation’s front line of defense against terrorism, both international and domestic. Today there are about 200 task forces around the country, including one in the FBI’s New Orleans field office, which supports the state of Louisiana through its local FBI branch offices in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Monroe. The New Orleans JTTF includes state, local and federal agencies.

The tragic events leading to Mr. Floyd’s death in Minnesota are being addressed through our criminal justice system, which is moving quickly. The Minnesota state prosecutor has brought charges against a former Minneapolis police officer and the Department of Justice is also conducting an independent investigation.

“Our Constitutional right to peacefully protest is a time-honored bedrock principle upon which our great nation was founded, and it should be protected,” said U.S. Attorney Fremin. “Also to be protected is innocent life and property often injured by criminals who hijack otherwise peaceful demonstrations in favor of advancing an alternative agenda.” Fremin added, “In recent days, we have seen peaceful demonstrations by well-meaning Louisianans. We appreciate their respect for the rule of law and we support their right to assemble, but make no mistake – criminal behavior will not be tolerated. The responsibility of law enforcement at every level is to maintain law and order in our communities, and we are working around the clock with local, state and federal officials to do just that.”

“The demonstrations in Louisiana have been peaceful and I applaud Louisianians for exercising their First Amendment rights in a non-violent manner,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “However, if anyone uses these peaceful demonstrations to promote violence or property destruction, prosecutors in my office stand ready to use all available resources to assist our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law and protect our communities from acts of violence and lawlessness.”

“Our office remains dedicated to protecting our citizens and upholding their Constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “The First Amendment gives every citizen the right to assemble and protest peacefully. Nevertheless, when a few people instigate violence and damage property, we must and will enforce the law. Violence and chaos that disrupts our precious First Amendment Constitutional right shall not be tolerated. Through the collaborative efforts of our local, state, federal and community partners, we will continue both to ensure our citizen’s lawful right of self-expression and work with our first responders to maintain civility.” 

Attorney General Barr’s statement is available here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-william-p-barrs-statement-riots-and-domestic-terrorism.

For more information on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces, or JTTFs, go to: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism/joint-terrorism-task-forces.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years

In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.

“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Each day, law enforcement personnel leave the protection of their homes, not knowing if they will return.  They rush into danger to protect us and put their lives on the line daily without hesitation.  Together we must stand and honor their service, pray for those wounded, and cherish the memories of our fallen officers.  Their heroism will forever be remembered.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.

Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.  Five officers in the Middle District died in the line of duty in 2019 and 2020, while numerous others have been injured.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.

 The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 7:00 pm (CST).  The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, and United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, jointly announced today that the State of Louisiana received $9,688,333 in a Department of Justice grant to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The grant to Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump.  In addition to the state award, $5,039,791 has been allocated to local agencies throughout Louisiana, with $2,282,168 being set aside for 22 jurisdictions in the Western District, $1,946,546 for 12 jurisdictions in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and $811,077 for five jurisdictions in the Middle District of Louisiana.  Those jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting this website.  The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This funding is a tremendous boost allowing law enforcement and first responder agencies to enhance their efforts in combatting COVID-related personnel and community issues specific to their jurisdictions.  This grant serves as another demonstration of the Department’s commitment to support law enforcement’s front line efforts in not only protecting themselves in the line of duty, but also the citizens and communities they serve.”

“Our law enforcement officers and first responders are facing new challenges posed by COVID-19 and need our support,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph.  “This grant will help provide our officers with the tools they need to maintain public health and safety as we battle the coronavirus pandemic.  I thank our law enforcement partners for their service to the citizens of the Western District of Louisiana and encourage them to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”

“The citizens of Southeast Louisiana have been severely affected by the onslaught of COVID-19 throughout their communities.  Without the unwavering dedication and selflessness of first responders and public safety professionals, who are on the frontlines of this battle, our community would be adrift.  The allocation of these funds provides the opportunity to support those who support us,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Peter G. Strasser.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs.  “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”

The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19.  Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas.  Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees, and correctional personnel.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.  For a list of all awards thus far, visit the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program webpage.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week.  This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”

“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need.  We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “At a time in which everyone is dealing with uncertainty in their lives, let us not forget those members of our community whose situations are compounded by victimization of heinous criminal acts, many of whom must face these times without valued family members lost to violent crime.  Now more than ever, we are dedicated to assisting these victims and their families on the path to justice.”

“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs.  “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”

Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda.  He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.  President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.

Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey.  The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.  Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services.  This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.

This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others.  The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.

“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart.  “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival.  I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”

This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person.  During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims.  The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services.  Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.

For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), again urges the public to be vigilant of potential fraud and schemes relating to the Internal Revenue Service COVID-19 economic impact payments, which will soon be disbursed.   

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Criminals constantly look for opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting victims and this pandemic is a perfect example of such opportunity.  My office, along with the IRS, urge the public to continue using extreme caution when responding to unsolicited phone calls, emails, and text messages that appear to come from the IRS attempting to elicit your personal identifying information or financial information.   I strongly encourage the public to report suspected coronavirus-related waste, fraud, abuse or allegations of criminal conduct by contacting the NCDF.”

The IRS recently reminded taxpayers of approaches scammers may use:

• Emphasize the words “Stimulus Check” or “Stimulus Payment.” The official term is economic impact payment.
• Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
• Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
• Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer’s behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
• Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.

For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus.

To report suspected fraud related to COVID-19, please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling 1-866-720-5721 or sending an e-mail to disaster@leo.gov.

The Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “My office remains committed to protecting the citizens and public safety professionals of the Middle District during this unprecedented crisis.  This funding is a great resource to supplement Louisiana’s first line of defense in the fight against COVID-19, and I strongly encourage state and local agencies to apply for these funds.”

“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”

The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.

For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “My office is committed to protecting the citizens of the Middle District during this unprecedented crisis and has made it a top priority to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal conduct related to the current pandemic.  Always use extreme caution when providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone.  I strongly encourage the public to report suspected coronavirus-related waste, fraud, abuse or allegations of criminal conduct by contacting the NCDF.”

Some examples of these schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.      

In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.  The Middle District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Paul Pugliese, a longtime federal prosecutor who also serves as the Associate Executive Director of the NCDF. 

The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes.  The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

In response to the rapidly evolving situation involving the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana remains operational, while working to mitigate risks to staff and the general public.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Our office is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Coronavirus and, in the interest of the health and safety of our staff, has modified operations to abide by the guidance of the President, the Department of Justice, the Centers for Disease Control, and recent District Court orders.  My commitment to the Middle District is to remain vigilant to the public safety needs of our citizens, while balancing the health and safety concerns we all share.  Prosecutors and staff are prepared to react to any situation that requires immediate federal law enforcement attention and remain committed to fulfilling our obligations to the American people.  I am in regular contact with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, as well as the U.S. Courts, as we all adjust our operations to this unprecedented crisis.”

“Sadly, during times like these, scam artists tend to take advantage of vulnerable populations,” said Fremin.  “The public should be aware that there are already reports of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online, reports of phishing emails from those posing as the World Health Organization and the CDC, and other COVID-19 related scams.  The Department of Justice and my office have made it a top priority to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal conduct related to the current pandemic and will continue our mission to bring justice to those who violate federal criminal law.”

United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Marvin Clifton, M.D., age 71, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 18 months in federal prison following his conviction for making false statements relating to health care matters.  The Court further sentenced Dr. Clifton to two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and ordered him to pay a $50,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.

According to admissions made as part of Dr. Clifton’s guilty plea, Dr. Clifton was a licensed physician whose medical practice included physical therapy.  His patients included individuals that received medical benefits under the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (“Workers’ Comp Program”).  The Workers’ Comp Program was a federal health care benefit program, providing wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to certain workers or their dependents who experienced work-related injuries or occupational disease. Qualified medical treatment provided under the Workers’ Comp Program was paid for by the U.S. Treasury.

Between January 2015 and January 2019, Dr. Clifton engaged in a scheme to obtain money from the Workers’ Comp Program to which he was not entitled, by knowingly and willfully falsifying and concealing material facts.  Dr. Clifton directed his office managers to falsify medical bills which claimed that Dr. Clifton had provided medical treatment such as physical therapy to Workers’ Comp patients, when he had not in fact provided the services.  In some instances, Dr. Clifton would direct his office managers to bill for treatment on days his office was closed, and on other occasions, Dr. Clifton directed his office managers to bill for longer treatment sessions than what had actually been provided.  These falsified medical bills were then sent to the United States Department of Labor at Dr. Clifton’s direction.

Throughout the course of this scheme, and through numerous transactions, Dr. Clifton submitted over $500,000 of falsified bills, through which he obtained approximately $340,342.58 in federal funds from the United States Department of Labor to which he was not entitled.

U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin stated, “This office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who commit healthcare fraud.  Cheating the federal Workers’ Compensation Program is not a victimless crime, as it jeopardizes healthcare resources and steals taxpayer money meant to treat federal workers with real injuries and illnesses.”   

Bryan A. Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge stated:  "Dr. Clifton compromised his integrity and medical license to line his pockets with the proceeds of false federal Workers’ Compensation claims made in collaboration with nine U.S. Postal employees.  I commend the great work performed by the men and women of the FBI Baton Rouge Resident Agency, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Louisiana, to hold those accountable who attempt to defraud American taxpayers through an intricate health care fraud scheme.” 

“The sentence obtained today has been the culmination of a thorough investigation completed by our agents revealing abuse by medical professionals of Federal benefits programs for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Cave, of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Southern Area Field Office. “The USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously investigate these types of cases in order to deter and stop these fraud schemes.”

“Dr. Clifton fraudulently submitted more than $500,000 in false claims to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (“OWCP”), putting his greed above patient care. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and OWCP to protect the integrity of DOL’s benefit programs,” said Steven Grell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Dallas Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter J. Smyczek. 

United States Attorney Brandon J.  Fremin announced that U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Gerald Joseph Braud, Jr., age 46, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to serve 180 months in federal prison following his conviction for coercion and enticement of a minor.   Braud will also be required to serve five years of supervised release and register as a convicted sex offender upon his release from prison.

According to admissions Braud made during his plea, on or about April 23, 2018, Braud, at his home in Gonzales, Louisiana, used Instagram to communicate with Minor Victim 1. Braud used the Instagram name “cornelious12345.”  Minor Victim 1 identified herself as a 14-year old who lived in North Carolina, and Braud falsely told her that he was 16, almost 17 years old, when in truth, he was 44 years old.   Braud then asked her to “talk dirty” with him.  During their sexually explicit chat on Instagram, Braud sent Minor Victim 1 sexually explicit images of himself and repeatedly requested to see sexually explicit images and videos of Minor Victim 1.  Minor Victim 1 complied with several of these requests and sent Braud sexually explicit images.    

Additionally, between February and May 2018, Braud contacted at least four other minor victims over Instagram who identified themselves to Braud as minors.  Similar to Minor Victim 1, Braud engaged these minor victims in sex talk, lied about his age, made promises of love, sent sexually explicit images of himself, and requested that these minor victims send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves to Braud.  Four of them responded with sexually explicit images.  Braud later admitted to law enforcement that he asked at least 15 minor girls for nude pictures or videos. 

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence once again demonstrates that our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will fight aggressively to protect our communities from child predators, such as Gerald Braud.  We will continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to those individuals who exploit or harm our children.  I commend our prosecutor and the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their excellent work in this matter.”

Bryan A. Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge, stated, “Minor children and teenagers are innocent and naive to the surreptitious ways of individuals like Gerald Braud who attempt to exploit our children for financial gain and/or sexual gratification. The FBI New Orleans Field Office’s Child Exploitation Task Force, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and fight for those who can't defend themselves.”

This case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth White.