Western District of Louisiana

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a registered nurse formerly employed with the VA Medical Center in Pineville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of fraudulently obtaining Hydromorphone. Hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a powerful opioid designed to relieve pain, but can also be abused and sold on the black market.

While working as a registered nurse at the VA Medical Center Urgent Care Clinic, Jolie King, 40, of Alexandria, used her position as a registered nurse to access the clinic’s narcotics supply cabinet and retrieve vials of controlled substance medications that were intended for the treatment of patients. As a part of the plea agreement reached today, King admitted that she used the drugs for her own personal use. King also admitted that she would log into the narcotics supply cabinet, randomly select a patient’s name, and then withdraw the drugs without a physician’s orders. In one instance, in an attempt to avoid detection, she refilled two vials with saline solution and placed them back in the supply cabinet. From September 2017 to October 2018, she fraudulently acquired approximately 31 vials of Hydromorphone and two vials of Morphine.

A sentencing date has not been set. King faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.

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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.

Cody Richardson, 30, a former Correctional Officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO), Detention Center 1, in Alexandria, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in court today to three counts of using excessive force against pretrial detainees housed at the facility.

According to documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, Richardson, while on duty as a correctional officer, tased three different detainees who were restrained and/or not resisting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. Specifically, on Jan. 28, 2018, Richardson tased detainee K.F. while K.F. had his hands up, causing him to fall to the ground, then continued to tase K.F. three more times despite the fact that he was not resisting. On Feb. 24, 2018, Richardson drive-stunned detainee S.M. 15-20 times while S.M. was shackled to a bench by his ankles, then, after other officers secured S.M.’s wrists in handcuffs, continued tasing him and kicked him once in the abdomen. Finally, on March 19, 2018, Richardson deployed a Taser into detainee J.A.’s back, causing him to fall to the ground, then sat on top of a table in the cellblock and continued to activate the Taser four more times while J.A. thrashed on the floor, screaming in pain. 

“This misconduct by a correctional officer erodes public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute those who violate the civil rights of inmates.”

Richardson faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the three counts. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorneys Katherine DeVar and Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases today, all of which are separately noted. The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. 

Three-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to 66 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

Defendant attempted to conceal pistol in child’s car seat

SHREVEPORT, La. – Gary D. Porter, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 66 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On November 19, 2018, officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to the driveway of a residence after receiving a 911 call. As the officers arrived, Porter was backing his car out of the driveway with several young children in the vehicle. Officers made contact with Porter and upon further investigation, located a Ruger, Model Security-9, 9mm pistol loaded with twelve rounds of ammunition hidden underneath one of the children, between the child and the child’s car seat. At the time that Porter possessed the pistol, he knew his previous felony convictions prohibited him, under federal law, from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Porter’s prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish include: possession of marijuana – second offense (2011), possession of cocaine (2012), and possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2014).

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby Cooper prosecuted the case.

Shreveport Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Sawed-Off Shotgun

SHREVEPORT, La. – John Jackson Harkey, 35, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to possession of a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

On February 21, 2019, officers with the Shreveport Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant on Harkey’s downtown Shreveport residence. During the search, officers found an operable, short-barreled shotgun, with a barrel length less than 18 inches and an overall length less than 26 inches. Under federal law, shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches must be registered. Harkey admitted to possessing the firearm and that he had not registered the short-barrel shotgun with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.   

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

Convicted Felon Sentenced to Two Years for Illegally Possessing Firearms During the Filming of a Music Video

SHREVEPORT, La. – Xavier Briggs, 27, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for felon in possession of firearms.

On April 25, 2019, officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to AB Palmer Park in Shreveport where a large crowd was filming a music video with numerous firearms. Officers encountered 10 individuals standing around a Chevrolet Malibu and recovered multiple firearms from the scene. A camera being used to shoot the video was also seized and a search warrant was obtained to view its contents. Briggs can be seen in the video recordings in possession of a Jiminez Arms Model JA Nine 9mm pistol loaded with 4 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a loaded DPMS Model A15, 5.56 mm rifle containing two 30-round magazines, and 41 rounds of 5.56 ammo.

Briggs has a 2011 armed robbery felony conviction in Caddo District Court and was released from prison in December 2018. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

Shreveport Convicted Felon Sentenced to 54 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

SHREVEPORT, La. – Christopher John Williams, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 54 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On January 31, 2019, Williams was arrested on a state offense and held in custody at Caddo Correctional Center. While he was in custody, he called two friends and asked them to get rid of a firearm that was located at his residence. Following the calls, agents made contact with an individual Williams shared his residence with and secured a Springfield XDS .45 caliber pistol. At his guilty plea on November 19, 2019, Williams admitted that the pistol belonged to him and to being a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, he knew it was illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Williams has prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish for illegal use of a weapon (2007), second degree battery (2009), accessory after the fact – robbery (2014), domestic abuse battery (2015), and public intimidation (2017).   

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.

To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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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.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Robert Perkins, 58, of Hall Summit, Louisiana, and Deborah Hawthorne, 60, of Monroe, Louisiana, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to serve 13 years and 11 years in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. 

On July 29, 2019, a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a Dodge Charger commit a traffic violation. The deputy learned that the license plate on the vehicle was previously reported stolen and conducted a traffic stop. Robert Perkins, the driver, and Deborah Hawthorne, the passenger, denied consent to search the vehicle. After a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle, deputies searched it and recovered approximately 960 grams of methamphetamine, three cell phones, and digital scales. Perkins later admitted to the officers that he knew the methamphetamine was inside the vehicle. The text messages on the cell phones recovered from the Charger revealed that Perkins and Hawthorne were working together to distribute the methamphetamine and shared in the proceeds. 

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

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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.

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph salutes 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.  

“Police Week is a time to recognize our fallen law enforcement officers across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “In tumultuous times such as these, the importance that our men and women in blue play in keeping our society free and safe cannot be overstated. Let’s all look for an opportunity this week to thank a police officer for his or her sacrifices and to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

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, including an officer here in the Western District of Louisiana - Shreveport Police Department Officer Chateri’ Payne, who was shot multiple times on January 9, 2019, as she was preparing to go on shift.

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 first officer fatality this year from the state of Louisiana involved an officer in the Western District of Louisiana who died in an automobile crash while on duty. DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Donna Richardson-Below died on February 12, 2020.  

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 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 (CDT). The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.

• Officer Payne’s name will be read during the virtual candlelight vigil and can be located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial at 59-E: 31.

To learn more about National Police Week, please visit: www.policeweek.org.

To register for the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit: www.nleomf.org.

Department of Justice public service announcement: Supporting Law Enforcement During Police Week 2020 - https://youtu.be/3bHlVOi3NJI.

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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.

 

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Carnell Briggs, 21, appeared in court via video conference and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to eight months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, for possessing a stolen firearm. Briggs pled guilty to this charge on December 19, 2019.   

On May 1, 2019, Shreveport Police officers responded to a tip that known gang members were at a residence in Shreveport armed with firearms and using narcotics. Upon arrival, officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the apartment and encountered an individual exiting the apartment holding a camera. The individual told officers he was there to shoot a rap video. Briggs can be seen in the video recording holding a Glock Model 30 .45 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, a firearm that was previously reported stolen in 2016. During a search of the apartment, officers located the Glock Model 30 .45 caliber pistol that had an extended magazine inside the dishwasher. The pistol was loaded with 27 rounds of .45 ammunition. Briggs admitted he knew the firearm was stolen and that is the reason he hid it in the dishwasher when police arrived. 

The FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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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.

 

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, Middle 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.

“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.”

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.”

“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.

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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.

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force announced the availability of approximately $158,043 in PSN grant funds for the Western District of Louisiana. The Department of Justice, the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding of a grant under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. At least 30% ($47,413) of the grant funds must be designated for grants under the PSN Program to fund new and/or current gang violence reduction strategies in the Western District. In addition, approximately $94,826 can be designated to fund both new and/or current comprehensive gun crime and gang violence reduction strategies within the Western District.   

PSN furthers the Department of Justice=s mission to reduce violent crime by providing support to state, local and tribal efforts to create safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime and gang violence committed with firearms utilizing prevention, enforcement and intervention methods. 

Various types of single or multi‑grantee grant proposals are welcome including those that address the following: 

• Gang violence and gun violence reduction, deterrence, prevention, community outreach and education; 
• Enforcement, adjudication and supervision programs; 
• Prisoner re-entry programs; or
• Other innovative related projects.

Grant proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATTN: PSN Grant Competition, 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2200, Lafayette, LA 70501, no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020. 

The FY 2019 PSN Grant Announcement, OMB No. 1121-0329 can be found on the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office website at: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. More information about the program can be located at www.psn.gov or www.bja.gov/programs/psn. 

Interested applicants may also contact Assistant U.S. Attorney and PSN Coordinator Jamilla A. Bynog at (337) 262-6618 for additional information. 

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SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jonathan Colgin, 36, a former Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy, appeared in court yesterday afternoon via video conference and pleaded guilty to a felony for his role in concealing a federal crime in connection with a steroid distribution scheme. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the hearing.

According to plea documents filed in this case, in August of 2016, Colgin was assigned to investigate an individual shipping anabolic steroids through the U.S. Mail. Colgin identified Brant Landry as the individual shipping the steroids and learned of the details of Landry’s steroid trafficking, including the location where Landry produced the anabolic steroids. During his assignment to the investigation, Colgin also learned that a friend was obtaining steroids from Landry.

As part of the guilty plea, Colgin admitted that he was aware of Landry’s steroids trafficking, which constituted a federal felony, but Colgin failed to notify the appropriate authorities of Landry’s illegal conduct. Colgin did not reveal Landry’s identity in his investigative reports, nor did he attempt to obtain a search warrant for the location where Landry produced the anabolic steroids. Colgin further admitted that he concealed his friend’s role and conduct from law enforcement.

On November 13, 2019, Colgin, along with his co-defendant and former Shreveport Police Officer Brian Skinner, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids and misprision of a felony. Skinner pleaded guilty on April 16, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids. 

Following the plea hearing, Colgin remains on bond, and faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, when he is sentenced on August 14, 2020.

This case is related to the prosecution in United States v. Brant R. Landry, and United States v. Mike Mosura, Criminal Docket No. 18-cr-00252. (Press releases linked.)

The DEA, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Jessica D. Cassidy are prosecuting case.

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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.

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and United States Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, are reminding parents to be vigilant of their children’s online activities.

“The investigation and prosecution of Project Safe Childhood cases have not stopped during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “Make no mistake: predators will take advantage of any opportunity, including this pandemic, to exploit child victims.  As children are spending more time online for schoolwork and socialization, parents can protect their children and help us in our fight against predators by paying close attention to their children’s online activities and associations.  Protecting the most vulnerable among us will always be a top priority of my office – especially in time of national emergency.”

Recent prosecutions in the Western District of Louisiana include:

• United States v. John Michael Ward, former pastor of Bellview Baptist Church in Westlake, who was sentenced on February 19, 2020, to 60 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in November 2019 to two counts of production of child pornography;

• United States v. James Gaharan, a former LeGrange High School teacher who was sentenced on February 19, 2020, to 97 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography; and

• United States v. Damon Lechtenberg, who pleaded guilty on April 9, 2020, to two counts of production of child pornography and faces up to 60 years in federal prison.

“Criminals will always look for targets of opportunity. With the current environment, millions of children around the world are spending additional time online as they shift from a traditional to a virtual classroom,” said New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “Our special agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the children from cyber predators who seek to take advantage of this innocent and vulnerable population.”

U.S. Attorney Joseph and SAC Miles offer the following tips to help protect children online:

• Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded.
• Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.
• Monitor your children’s use of the internet.
• Keep electronic devices in a common area of the house.
• Check your children’s profiles and what they post online.
• Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the internet.
• Make sure that children understand online risks – only chat with people they know, block people they don’t know or trust. If anyone asks to engage in sexually explicit activity online, tell a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult about it.

To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation, contact your local law enforcement agency. Tips can be submitted online at www.ice.gov/tipline, by phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE or by contacting your local HSI office. Reports can also be filed with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.

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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.

 

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph 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, and Inspire Hope.”

“We all know those whose lives have been touched by crime – they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors,” Joseph stated. “I want the public to know that my office is committed to both prosecuting those who victimize others and providing support to crime victims throughout the legal process.  This week serves as a reminder to all of us to keep victims of crime in our thoughts and prayers.”

“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.”

“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.”

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.

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.

This year’s commemoration began April 19, 2020, 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.

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.

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. To be notified when a new date for this event is announced, please subscribe to OVC’s NCVRW email notifications at: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/subscribe/.

“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.”

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.

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. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana Victim Witness Program at 318-676-3600.

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.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Brian Skinner, 44, a former Shreveport police officer, appeared in federal court on April 16, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids. 

According to plea documents filed in the case, from January 2016 to May 2018, Skinner obtained anabolic steroids on multiple occasions from Brant Landry, an acquaintance he met at a Bossier City gym. In addition to obtaining the anabolic steroids from Landry for himself, Skinner also obtained them to distribute to a third party. Besides his own criminal conduct, Skinner failed in his duty as a law enforcement officer to report Landry’s steroid trafficking and related activity to the appropriate authorities.

On November 13, 2019, Skinner, along with his co-defendant and former Bossier Parish Deputy Jonathan Colgin, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Colgin was also charged with misprision of a felony. Colgin entered a not guilty plea on December 4, 2019.

Following the plea hearing, Skinner was released to home incarceration. At sentencing on May 27, 2020, Skinner faces up to ten years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

This case is related to the prosecution in United States v. Brant R. Landry, and United States v. Mike Mosura, Criminal Docket No. 18-cr-00252. Press releases linked.

The DEA, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Jessica D. Cassidy are prosecuting case.

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.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) are cautioning taxpayers of the opportunity for criminals to steal economic impact payments through various means of deception.

U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office, jointly made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.

“Fraudsters will exploit any opportunity – including a global pandemic - to con their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “I urge citizens to be vigilant to protect themselves and to tell their family, friends, and neighbors about these scams. My office is working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who use the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to steal from the American taxpayer.”

“This is a time when ruthless criminals might seek to take advantage of this opportunity to prey upon unsuspecting individuals in an effort to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Under the CARES Act, millions of Americans will start to receive COVID-19 economic impact payments from the IRS in the upcoming weeks. For most Americans, this one-time direct payment will be delivered primarily through direct deposit into their bank account. Those who did not identify a bank account on their tax returns or who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check will receive their economic impact payment in that manner.

Criminals have already begun deceiving taxpayers through unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages or other communications purporting to be from the IRS in attempts to steal these payments. Scammers are also trying to get taxpayers to sign their checks over to them through various means. Everyone receiving money from the government as a result of the COVID-19 economic impact payment is potentially at risk. 

United States Attorney Joseph and Special Agent in Charge Dorsey offer the following information to help taxpayers understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued, as well as offer some helpful tips to taxpayers about possible scams and fraud:

• The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
• The IRS will NOT CALL and ask you to verify your payment details. Do NOT give out your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. IT'S A SCAM!
• If you receive a call, DO NOT engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it’s a scam or you think that you can beat them. Just HANG UP.
• If you receive texts or emails claiming you can get your money faster by sending personal or banking information or clicking on links, DELETE them. Do NOT click on any links in those emails or texts.
• Scammers may also emphasize the words “stimulus check” or “stimulus payment.” The official term is economic impact payment.
• There are no fees to receive payment. The government is not asking citizens to pay anything up front to receive an economic impact payment. If someone contacts you asking for any form of payment in order to receive an economic payment, please contact law enforcement.
• If you receive unexpected emails, text messages, or social media messages with attachments or website links, DELETE them. Do NOT click on, download, or open any of the above, as you may be opening malware on your electronic device that can help criminals steal your information.
• Reports are also circulating about bogus checks being distributed. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a fraud. It will take the Department of Treasury a few weeks to mail the legitimate checks to taxpayers. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), a check that requires you to verify the check online or by calling a number, its’ a fraud.            

To report a COVID-19 fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or send an email to https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.   

The Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, AUSA Seth Reeg, can be reached at: (318) 676-3600.

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

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

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.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Damon Lechtenberg, 46, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay, for production of child pornography.

According to his guilty plea, Lechtenberg admitted to filming a minor female using hidden cameras that he had placed in the minor’s bedroom and bathroom. In December of 2019, authorities learned of Lechtenberg’s activities and obtained a search warrant. Law enforcement officers located multiple hidden cameras that had previously been hidden in the child’s bedroom and bathroom. Lechtenberg told officers that he placed the cameras in the bedroom and bathroom and filmed the minor while the minor was nude. A subsequent forensics review of the electronic devices seized from Lechtenberg revealed approximately 200 videos of the nude minor. Lechtenberg will remain in custody until sentencing.

At sentencing on July 16, 2020, Damon Lechtenberg faces up to 60 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, registration as a sex offender and a $250,000 fine.  

Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423.  Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls.  Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app.  Tips may be submitted anonymously.

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.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that the Department of Justice 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.

The State of Louisiana is eligible to apply for $9,688,333 to distribute throughout the state. In addition, law enforcement agencies in Louisiana that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. The amount allocated for these Louisiana agencies is $5,039,792.

“Law enforcement officers and first responders are working harder than ever during this crisis and need our support,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program will provide them additional financial support as we battle the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will fund overtime and new hiring, buy personal protective equipment, provide training, pay for travel expenses, and address the medical needs of inmates in Louisiana’s jails and detention centers.”

“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 January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

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/.

Attachments:

• BJA FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding State
• FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Allocations - State

 

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.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In response to the evidence that fraud schemes are being developed around the country to exploit the coronavirus epidemic, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that he has formed a task force in the Western District of Louisiana to identify, investigate, prosecute, and dismantle fraud schemes designed to unlawfully profit from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Western District of Louisiana’s COVID-19 Fraud Task Force (Task Force) brings together multiple federal investigative agencies under the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to share and receive intelligence related to the scams being perpetrated on-line and in-person by individuals seeking to exploit the evolving public health crisis. The Task Force will then marshal the collective investigative power of our federal law enforcement agencies by forming joint investigative teams to work with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

The Task Force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg. The Task Force members include representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General,  U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Veteran’s Administration – Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Trade Commission, and the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General.

“The public should know that my office remains fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be focusing on those who seek to unlawfully exploit others during this difficult time,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The last thing our community needs as we come together to fight this pandemic are certain individuals among us preying upon the fears of others for financial gain.  Through the formation of this Task Force, federal prosecutors from my office will collaborate on a daily basis with investigators to identify, investigate, and aggressively prosecute those attempting to profit from this emergency.  I want to thank all of the agencies and federal agents that are joining us in this effort – each of which brings considerable expertise to the fight.”

The Task Force will review and investigate all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on those hoarding or price-gouging critical medical supplies and schemes designed to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those who may be more susceptible to the disease due to pre-existing health conditions. The Task Force will also prioritize schemes that have the potential to endanger public health and safety. AUSA Reeg will meet and confer with agency counterparts on a regular basis to prioritize cases and surge resources where needed.

Some examples of COVID-19 scams include:

• Unlawful Hoarding and Price-Gouging: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has designated certain health and medical resources necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as “scarce,” including respirator masks, ventilators, and other medical protective equipment. These designated materials are subject to the hoarding prevention measures that trigger both criminal and civil remedies. Yesterday, U.S. Attorney Joseph sent a letter to area hospitals and medical providers requesting information regarding any known hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies.
• Testing Scams: Scammers are selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money.
• Treatment Scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
• Supply Scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
• Provider Scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
• Charity Scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
• Phishing Scams and Cyber Intrusions: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that downloads malware, or providing personal identifying financial information. One form of malware being spread contains an interactive online map of coronavirus-infected areas purportedly produced by Johns Hopkins University. Once someone downloads this interactive map, the malware steals the user’s credentials, such as usernames, credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information usually stored in internet browsers.
• App Scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
• Investment Scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
• $1,000 Check Scams: Scammers are contacting people over email and are telling them that their $1,000 check, as part of the stimulus package responding to COVID-19, is already waiting for them and that all they need to do is to provide personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security Numbers, which are the key pieces of information needed to perpetrate identity theft.
• Other scams include fraudsters claiming to work for the government or banks/credit cards and offering assistance for student loan relief, foreclosure or eviction relief, unemployment assistance, debt relief, and direct financial assistance, like government checks.

U.S. Attorney Joseph urges everyone, especially those most at risk of serious illness, to avoid these and similar scams by taking the following steps:

• Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
• Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use "cdc.com" or "cdc.org" instead of "cdc.gov."
• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
• Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
• Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.
• Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
• Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
• Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID- 19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like "CDC" or "government" in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
• Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
• Be cautious of "investment opportunities" tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
• For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.

Leaders from the federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Task Force provided the following comments in support of the mission:

"Even through a worldwide pandemic, the FBI remains steadfast in our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Special Agents and Analysts of the WDLA COVID-19 Task Force are committed to investigating all forms of COVID-19 fraud committed on Louisiana residents. Any company or individual who attempts to defraud our residents and steal their money during this national crisis will be investigated and brought to justice."

According to Joseph Cuffari, PhD., Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, “The theft of FEMA funds resulting from COVID-19 schemes or false claims result in losses not only to the U.S. Taxpayer, but also to the actual victims who needed those funds to recover. Working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General will continue our commitment to identify and aggressively investigate allegations of fraud. Theft of funds from DHS programs intended to help those in need will not be tolerated.”

“The FDA is fully committed to working with our federal partners to protect Americans from fraudulent and potentially dangerous medical products being marketed and distributed to Americans for the treatment or diagnosis of COVID-19. We will continue to take appropriate action to protect consumers from bad actors who take advantage of a crisis and place profits ahead of the public health,” said Judith A. McMeekin, Pharm.D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Our HSI agents are deeply committed to the safety of the American public, whether it’s investigating and dismantling human trafficking operations or ensuring our medical communities are receiving legitimate medical equipment and supplies to combat the spread of Covid-19,” said New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “Those who would use this pandemic to defraud their neighbors, friends, and communities for their own financial gain – we will be looking for you and we will find you.”

“The VA Office of Inspector General is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the public funds and medical resources intended to treat all veterans, including those impacted by COVID-19, and is pleased to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal law enforcement agencies in establishing this partnership.” – James Ross, Special Agent in Charge, VA Office of Inspector General, South Central Field Office.

If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud or have knowledge of any hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home, to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via email at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combattingpricegouginghoarding.

The Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, AUSA Seth Reeg, can be reached at: (318) 676-3600.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.

“These funds are designed to assist those who have paid their debt to society successfully transition back into their communities,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “I encourage organizations that are active in this effort to learn more about these grants and to apply.”

“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming. 

A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future. 

• Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104

Total Available $7.2 million                            Deadline 4/27/2020

• Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096

Total Available $3 million                               Deadline 4/28/2020

• Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20

Total Available $13.2 million                          Deadline 4/27/2020 

• Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281

Total Available $4 million                               Deadline 5/4/2020

• Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295

Total Available $6 million                              Deadline 5/5/2020   

• Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa

Total Available: Determined after selection           Deadline 4/10/2020

• Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110

Total Available $13.5 million                          Deadline 5/4/2020

• Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680

Total Available $4 million                              Deadline 4/28/2020

• Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf

Total Available $7 million                               Deadline 4/28/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.

“There is no more important cause than protecting our children from harm,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “These federal resources will give faculty, students, first responders and parents the tools to develop better safety measures and make Louisiana schools safer places for children to learn.”

“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats. 

A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future: 

• Research and Evaluation on School Safety

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308

Total Available $5 million                              Deadline 4/13/2020 

• STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308

Total Available $71.4 million                          Deadline 4/13/2020

• Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence  

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926

Total Available $7 million                                Deadline 4/27/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.

“Combatting human trafficking is a top priority of my office,” U.S. Attorney Joseph said. “These federal funds will provide critical resources needed to fight human trafficking and to assist those who have been victimized by this terrible crime.  I encourage state and local victim services organizations and non-profit groups to apply for these grants.”

“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors. 

A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future. 

• Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351

Total Available: $1.8 million               Deadline: 4/6/2020 (Extended)

• Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking

Total Available $22 million                 Opens week of 3/16/2020

• Preventing Trafficking of Girls

Total Available $1.7 million                Opens week of 3/16/2020

• Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324

Total Available $2.5 million               Deadline 4/20/2020 

• Services for Victims of Human Trafficking

Total Available $16.5 million              Opens week of 3/16/2020

• Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
  Total Available $2 million                   Opens week of 3/16/2020

• Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program

Total Available $5 million                   Opens week of 3/16/2020

• Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking

Total Available $6 million                   Opens week of 3/16/2020

• Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking

Total Available $8 million                   Opens week of 3/16/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities

In November 2019, U.S. Attorney Joseph announced the launch of the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, which is led by the United States Attorney’s Office and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, and is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, along with local non-governmental victim services organizations, including civic, faith-based, and social services organizations.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.

“The fight against opioid abuse is among our nation’s most pressing law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph.  “I encourage organizations and groups in Louisiana to explore these federal funding opportunities.  We must all continue to look for new ways to fight this epidemic.”

“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime. 

A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open: 

• Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098

Total Available $1.75 million                          Deadline 5/14/2020 

• Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20

Total Available $27 million                             Deadline 5/21/2020

• Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims

https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf

Total Available: $19 million                            Deadline: 5/4/2020

• Family Drug Court Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090

Total Available $18.2 million                          Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)

• Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754

Total Available $28.1                                        Deadline 5/5/2020

• Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051

Total Available $7.2 million                            Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)

• Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930

Total Available $48 million                             Deadline 4/13/2020  

• Opioid Affected Youth Initiative

https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352

Total Available $9 million                               Deadline 4/20/2020

• Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275

Total Available $1 million                               Deadline 4/20/2020                         

• Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners

https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20

Total Available $4.5 million                            Deadline 4/6/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana 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 at 1-866-720-5721 or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.

In coordination with law enforcement agencies, United States Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.

The NCDF Hotline 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.

“During this time of uncertainty related to the COVID-19 outbreak, my first and foremost obligation is to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and security of Louisiana‘s citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “While the vast majority of us are acting as a community to focus on our collective health, there are scammers and fraudsters out there using fear and misinformation to target the most vulnerable among us. My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting those who use this pandemic to illegally profit. Make no mistake: this type of behavior will be aggressively prosecuted by my office. If anyone suspects fraud or has been victimized in this way, I urge you to report it to the NCDF hotline.”

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; and
• 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. U.S. Attorney Joseph has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg to be the Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator. AUSA Reeg can be reached through the main number at the U.S. Attorney’s Office – (318) 676-3600.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana serves 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In response to the rapidly changing situation surrounding the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is continuing operations, while working to mitigate risks to individual employees and the general public.

“My office and our federal law enforcement partners are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The public should rest assured that the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains open and is working on a daily basis with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect the public and ensure critical law enforcement operations continue without interruption. I am grateful to our attorneys and staff, as well as our law enforcement partners, for their unwavering dedication and commitment during this time.”

“Unfortunately, in troublesome times there are some in our society who try to take advantage of people with schemes designed to defraud them out of their money,” said Joseph. “People should be aware that there are now fraudsters selling false “cures” for COVID-19. The public should get information related to this coronavirus from reputable sources, such as the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to avoid falling victim to scams. I would also ask that anyone who believes they have been targeted in any scam to report it to a law enforcement agency at the earliest opportunity.”

You can also learn more about coronavirus scams here: ftc.gov/coronavirus.

The public should continue to monitor the bulletins from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/COVID19) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the fight against COVID-19. 

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Following a four-day trial on Thursday, March 12, 2020, a federal jury in Shreveport convicted Christopher M.K. Dumas, 29, of Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and related firearms crimes for his participation in five gunpoint robberies in Shreveport and one in Marshall, Texas, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

The evidence at trial established that between March 17, 2017 and April 15, 2017, Dumas robbed at gunpoint, a Metro PCS store, H&S Grocery and Liquor, Inc., Werner Park Grocery, and Rodeway Inn & Suites, all located in Shreveport, and a Boost Mobile store in Marshall, Texas.

“The jury’s verdict holds this defendant responsible for his crime spree that terrorized his victims and the communities in which he operated,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent offenders from our streets. I would like to thank the prosecutors in my office for a job well done and the law enforcement officers for their hard work investigating this case.”  

On March 17, 2017, and March 20, 2017, Dumas entered a Metro PCS store waving a .38 Colt Army revolver, demanding the money from the register and safe. He told one employee to put the money in the bag or he would shoot him in the leg. On March 17, Dumas left with $2,568 and on March 20, with $400. Dumas held-up an H&S Grocery and Liquor clerk at gunpoint on March 30, 3017, and told the clerk “give me all the money or I’ll shoot you.” The clerk gave Dumas all of the cash ($400) in the register.

On April 1, 2017, after having met with his parole officer earlier that morning, Dumas traveled to Marshall, Texas, where he robbed a Boost Mobile store. Dumas entered the store, leaped over the sales counter and pointed a.38 Colt revolver at the store clerk, demanding cash from the register. A neighboring business owner heard the store clerk scream and came to aid her. Dumas shot the business owner hitting him twice in the chest and then fled from the scene. A silver Nissan Versa with a dent on the driver’s side door was seen in the area before, during, and after the robbery and was captured on the surveillance cameras of the Greenwood Police Department traveling back to Shreveport.

On April 4, 2017, Dumas and his co-defendant Stafford King, robbed Werner Park Grocery at gunpoint. King put the revolver against the head of a store clerk and told the clerk to give him money. Dumas pointed his gun at another clerk’s head while also demanding money. Both defendants ran out of the store with an unknown amount of money and got into a silver car with a dent on the left side. On April 15, 2017, Dumas pointed a gun at a Rodeway Inn employee and demanded the money from the register. The clerk complied with Dumas’ demands and Dumas got away with $554. On March 20 and April 15, Dumas was also seen getting into a silver car with damage on the left side. Each robbery was captured by video surveillance.

Later on April 25, 2017, a Shreveport police officer saw the silver Nissan Versa matching the description from the robberies and pulled it over after a traffic violation. King was driving and Dumas was in the passenger seat. Law enforcement officers recovered hoodies, bandanas, and gloves from the car that matched descriptions from the robberies. Police also located 9 millimeter ammunition, consistent with a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol used in the Werner Park and Rodeway Inn robberies and three other weapons from the Nissan Versa.

Dumas, a previously convicted felon, was on state parole for simple burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon at the time of the robberies. He was released on parole in January 2017 and started robbing in March.

Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided over the trial and set Christopher Dumas’ sentencing for July 22, 2020. Dumas faces 20 years in prison on each Hobbs Act robbery conviction and ten years imprisonment for being a felon in possession of ammunition. In addition, Dumas faces a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment for the armed robberies involving a TEC-9, and a mandatory, minimum of seven years imprisonment for the three remaining armed robbery convictions. Each conviction for using a weapon during a crime of violence carries with it a possibility of up to life in prison. Dumas also faces three to five years of supervised release for the various counts of conviction and a $250,000 fine. 

Dumas’ co-defendant, Stafford King, pleaded guilty on August 12, 2019, to one violation each of the Hobbs Act and using of a firearm during a crime of violence. King’s sentencing is set for April 9, 2020. King has prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm with an obliterated number, possession of marijuana, illegal possession of stolen things and attempted battery.  

The FBI, ATF, Shreveport Police Department, Marshall, Texas Police Department, and Greenwood Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Leon H. Whitten are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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.

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SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. – This week, United States Attorney David C. Joseph hosted the Western District of Louisiana’s first Department of Justice sponsored Law Enforcement Forum on March 10, 2020, in Shreveport, and March 12, 2020, in Lafayette, focusing on terror threat analyses, legal updates, training in federal criminal law and procedure, and information pertaining to resources and assistance available to Louisiana’s federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies from the United States Attorney’s Office.

Approximately 171 state, local and federal officers representing law enforcement agencies from across Louisiana attended. Speakers and panelists included United States Attorney David C. Joseph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Western District of Louisiana, and law enforcement agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI). The open-forum question and answer session panel of federal law enforcement agents and Assistant U.S. Attorneys was moderated by Alan Alkire, the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Western District. 

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.

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MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Donnie Laing Jr., 39, of Youngsville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 9, 2020, to wire fraud in connection with a million dollar Ponzi scheme that he orchestrated through his limited liability company, Capital Energy Investments, LLC (“Capital”).

According to court documents, from April 2018 through November 2018, Laing operated a Ponzi scheme through Capital, a company that he used to set up a business bank account and solicit money from the victims of his scheme. Laing represented himself to be the owner of a legitimate business, Capital, that purchased and rented out oil and gas equipment – promising investors high rates of return on their investments. Investors believed that Capital would use their money to invest in oil and gas equipment, and then lease such equipment to companies engaged in oil and gas exploration activities for a profit.  Instead, Laing used the victims’ investments for his own purposes.

Throughout the scheme, Laing submitted false proposals and contracts to his victims to persuade them to invest their money with Capital. He also used funds from new investors to make payments to previous investors under the guise that the payments represented legitimate profits and returns on the victims’ investments. These payments allowed the defendant to avoid detection and obtain additional funds from his victims. Laing also used his relationship with a former business associate living in northeast Louisiana to solicit money from investors.  Throughout the course of the scheme, Laing defrauded multiple investors and received nine investor payments during the period from April 25, 2018 to October 29, 2018, totaling $1,215,530.

U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over the hearing and set sentencing for July 27, 2020. Laing faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of approximately $2.4 million.

The FBI is investigating the case. United States Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper are prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection to his role in a multimillion-dollar investment scheme. His codefendant, Gregory A. Smith, a Shreveport investment advisor, pled guilty on July 23, 2019, to the same charge.

“These defendants used their positions as religious leaders and investment advisors to defraud Louisiana residents – many of whom are elderly and retired,” stated U.S. Attorney Joseph. “In doing so, the defendants abused the trust and respect of their victims for the sole purpose of stealing their money. This type of deceit can be devastating for victims, especially when life savings are lost. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who use confidence schemes to prey upon the elderly and people of faith.”

According to information presented in court, Caldwell and Smith conspired to use their influence and status to persuade multiple victims to “invest” approximately $3.5 million with them. The victims’ investments were purportedly in historical Chinese bonds, which are bonds issued by the former Republic of China prior to losing power to the Communist government in 1949. These bonds are not recognized by China’s current government and, accordingly, have no investment value.

Smith began approaching existing clients and acquaintances in the spring of 2013 about what he described as an opportunity to invest in historical Chinese bonds. His usual sales pitch to investors was that Caldwell was (1) putting the bond deal together on behalf of investors, (2) had the bonds in his possession or was obtaining them, and (3) was brokering a deal to sell the bonds. Smith also promised that by investing money with him and Caldwell, the victims would obtain a partial ownership of the bonds and would quickly receive exponential returns on their investments. The victims were not told of the true nature of the bonds nor were they informed that no previous investor had ever obtained the promised return on an investment. The victims were encouraged to cash out any other investments they might have if they could not otherwise afford to participate.

After Smith made the fraudulent pitch, the victims were instructed to wire funds to various bank accounts under Caldwell’s control. In 2013 and 2014, approximately $3.5 million was “invested.” The funds were divided between Caldwell, Smith, and others. Caldwell used the approximately $900,000 that he received to pay down personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards, and maintain his lifestyle. Smith received $1.08 million. He used this money to pay down loans, purchase two luxury sport utility vehicles, place a down payment on a vacation property, and maintain his lifestyle. After time passed and investors began to question why they had not received the promised returns, Caldwell and Smith offered excuses, defended the legitimacy of the deals, and assured victim-investors that they would receive the promised returns.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Caldwell faces between five and seven years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Caldwell, who has already made partial restitution to the victims, has agreed to pay the remaining balance, $1,951,478.00, before sentencing.

Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided at the hearing and set Caldwell’s sentencing for July 22, 2020. Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2020.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and C. Mignonne Griffing are prosecuting the case.

This case was included in the Justice Department’s largest-ever nationwide elder fraud sweep in 2019, which included hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. A list of Elder Fraud cases by the Department of Justice is provided on this interactive map. 

The recently launched National Elder Fraud Hotline provides services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and will provide resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

For more information about DOJ’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice Website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.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.     

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LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted.

SENTENCING – TORY DARBY MONTGOMERY

LAFAYETTE, La. - On March 3, Tory Darby Montgomery, 23, of Youngsville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Lafayette Police Department responded to a complaint on June 21, 2018, of two males walking with a firearm in the Louisiana Avenue area. The officers located two males who matched the description provided by the complaint and made contact with them. One male ran from the officers, but Montgomery stayed and cooperated. Montgomery acknowledged that he had a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum in his waistband. Montgomery is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. In July 2015, he was convicted in the 15th Judicial District Court of simple burglary and accessory after the fact, simple burglary. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lafayette Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – DERRICK CURRY

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Derrick Wayne Curry, 50, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. On July 12, 2018, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies observed Curry on a bicycle violating traffic laws by traveling down a street against the flow of oncoming traffic, and without a functioning rear light. When the deputies attempted to make contact with him, Curry jumped off of his bike and started to run, while throwing an object in the air that he had pulled from his waistband. When the deputies caught up to Curry, they found him wearing a black nylon gun holster attached to his belt, and found a Taurus, Model: PT-92 AF, 9 mm-caliber pistol, loaded with 16 rounds of 9 mm bullets, 10 feet from where he was taken into custody. Curry is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. In May 1990, he was convicted of armed robbery. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – JMARREON D. MACK

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Jmarreon D. Mack, 38, of Monroe, was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mack was found guilty on November 14, 2019, following a two-day jury trial in Monroe. Evidence presented during trial revealed that an officer with Louisiana State Police initiated a stop of Mack’s vehicle on April 12, 2018, for a traffic violation. As the trooper approached the vehicle, he smelled marijuana coming from inside. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper and an officer with the Monroe Police Department found a Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. In addition to the firearm, officers also found approximately 23.5 grams of marijuana in a bag on the front driver’s seat, a marijuana cigar, a marijuana grinder, and a digital scale. The gun that Mack possessed had been reported stolen. Jmarreon Mack has prior felony convictions in Ouachita Parish for possession of cocaine (2005 and 2014), attempted distribution of cocaine (2005), and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2008). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Louisiana State Police, Monroe Police Department, Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office and Rayville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby Cooper and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – JACOB STAGGS

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Jacob Staggs, 38, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. West Monroe Police Department officers encountered Staggs during a traffic stop on April 24, 2019. Staggs was the passenger in the vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, the officers discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .380 pistol located in the back right pocket of Staggs’ pants. Officers also found a pill bottle containing Etizolam, Buprenorphine, Acetyl Fentanyl, Fentanyl, Tramadol, ANPP, Carisoprodol, and Tapentadol in Staggs’ front left pants pocket. Staggs is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. He has previous felony convictions for possession of Methamphetamine, possession of Diazepam, possession of Methadone, and resisting an officer with force of violence (December 2018). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and West Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.   

SENTENCING – WILLIE JAMES COOK

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Willie James Cook, 29, of Monroe, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. On August 29, 2018, officers with the Monroe Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment on Dixie Avenue. During that search, officers discovered a loaded Springfield Armory .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun inside Cook’s backpack in a bedroom where he had been staying. Cook is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Cook’s prior felony convictions in the 4th Judicial District Court include simple battery (2010 and 2016), possession of cocaine (2015), domestic abuse battery (2015), and resisting an officer (2016). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – BRANDON HARRIS

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Brandon Keith Harris, 32, of Bastrop, Louisiana, was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which will run concurrent to Harris’ parole violation pending in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. On the evening of July 14, 2018, Harris broke into Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, Louisiana and stole seven guns. Federal law prohibits Harris from ever possessing a firearm because of his status as a convicted felon. He has multiple felony convictions in Morehouse Parish including: the manufacture and possession of a bomb (2005), possession of methamphetamine (2009), simple burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2014). This case is a joint federal and local investigation into the July 14, 2018 break-in and firearm theft. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Bastrop Police Department, and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

GUILTY PLEA – MANUEL KING

LAFAYETTE, La. – On March 5, Manuel King, 30, of Lafayette, pled guilty to three counts of carjacking. King, a previously convicted felon, carjacked three separate people on February 20, 2019. The first victim was standing next to his Jeep Grand Cherokee in a Wal-Mart parking lot when King approached and threatened him with a Kimber 9mm semi-automatic pistol. King took the victim’s wallet and drove away in the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, King crashed the Jeep and proceeded to carjack a second victim. He crashed that car and then carjacked a third victim.  He was pursued by police, eventually crashing the third car into a pond. At that point, he was arrested and was still in possession of the 9mm pistol he used during each carjacking incident. King’s wallet was found in the second victim’s vehicle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lafayette Police Department, and Lafayette City Marshal’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the hearing and set sentencing for June 18, 2020. For each count, King faces up to 15 years in federal custody, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. 

GUILTY PLEA – CASEY BERLIN

ALEXANDRIA, La. - On March 5, Casey Berlin, 36, of Alexandria, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During an investigation for a residential burglary, Alexandria Police Department officers identified Berlin as a suspect and arrested him on March 22, 2019. During the arrest, officers found a Ruger carbine .22 caliber rifle propped against a kitchen cabinet. Berlin told officers that someone gave him the rifle to hold as collateral for a debt owed. As a convicted felon, Berlin was aware that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He was previously convicted of possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance in September 2016. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the hearing and set sentencing for June 22, 2020. Berlin faces up to 10 years in federal custody, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

The firearms cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph announced the signing of an agreement with DeSoto Parish to improve access to all aspects of civic life for persons with disabilities. The agreement is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Civic Access (PCA), a wide-ranging effort to ensure that parishes/counties, cities, towns, and villages comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by working to eliminate barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community and civic life.

DeSoto Parish has worked cooperatively with the Department of Justice and, in signing the settlement, has made significant progress in meeting ADA requirements. Under the settlement agreement, DeSoto Parish will remove barriers to accessibility in buildings, such as government office buildings providing services to its citizens, courthouses, sheriff’s offices, and detention centers. The agreement also requires DeSoto Parish to:

• make physical modifications of facilities to improve accessibility, such as accessible parking, accessible routes into and through the facilities, accessible restrooms, and the provision of services at alternate, accessible locations;
   
• train staff regarding the requirements of the ADA and appropriate ways of ensuring program access;
   
• ensure effective communication to individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing or blind or have low vision; and
   
• post and publish the identity and functions of the Parish ADA Coordinator, as well as the Parish’s ADA Grievance Procedure Policy.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana stands firm in its commitment to advance the goals of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “Our office will continue to support the rights of individuals with disabilities to access civic life.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen J. King handled the case. For more information about the ADA, the agreement and the PCA initiative, individuals may access the ADA web page at: www.ada.gov/civicac.htm or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at: 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – Ezequiel Vega-Solano, a 22-year old Mexican national, previously residing in Foley, Alabama, pleaded guilty today to illegal alien transportation, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. Vega-Solano, originally from Sonora, Mexico, was in the United States as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

On June 26, 2019, Vega-Solano was transporting three illegal aliens on Interstate 10 near Lake Charles when a Louisiana State trooper pulled his vehicle over for a traffic violation. The trooper contacted U.S. Border Patrol in Lake Charles for assistance with the three passengers in the vehicle. When Border Patrol agents arrived, they spoke with Vega-Solano, the driver of the vehicle, who claimed that he and the passengers had traveled to Houston to attend an event.

Border Patrol agents determined that the three passengers in the vehicle were in the United States illegally and arrested Vega-Solano for alien smuggling. Vega-Solano later admitted to the agents that he was aware the passengers were in the United States illegally. He had agreed to transport two of them from Houston back to Foley for $1,500.

Ivan Velasquez-Lopez, one of the passengers in the vehicle, had traveled with Vega-Solano from Foley to Houston. Velasquez-Lopez, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. on August 15, 2019, to re-entering the United States after previously being removed on three occasions. The other two passengers had no prior immigration history and were taken into custody for further immigration proceedings. 

Judge Cain presided over the hearing today and scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2020. Vega-Solano faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. On June 27, 2019, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a notice terminating Vega-Solano’s DACA status.

United States Border Patrol and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the case.

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.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of two Project Safe Childhood cases last week, each separately noted.

SENTENCING – JOHN MICHAEL WARD

Westlake Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

 Ward was the former pastor of Bellview Baptist Church

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that John Michael Ward, 45, of Westlake, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 19, 2020, to 60 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in November 2019 to two counts of production of child pornography. U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. sentenced Ward to 30 years for each count, to run consecutively, and a lifetime term of court supervision.

According to information presented to the court, Ward, the former pastor of Bellview Baptist Church in Westlake, sexually abused a minor female for two years, and on two occasions, coerced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of capturing sexually explicit videos of the minor. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

SENTENCING – JAMES GAHARAN

Former LeGrange High School Teacher Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that James Gaharan, 56, of Laker Charles, was sentenced on February 19, 2020, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to 97 months in prison for possession of child pornography. Following his imprisonment, Gaharan will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for 10 years and will be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which he lives or works. Gaharan pleaded guilty on September 18, 2019.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) received a complaint that Gaharan, a school teacher at LeGrange High School, was having a sexual relationship with a student. After an interview with Gaharan, CPSO obtained a court approved search warrant of his residence. When officers arrived at Gaharan’s residence, they discovered a program running on his computer which was in the process of wiping the hard drive clean. At that point the wipe was 96% complete. Officers also found a jump drive in Gaharan’s book satchel. A subsequent forensic examination of the jump drive revealed over 1,500 child pornography images of mainly young, prepubescent children. Gaharan had downloaded these images from the internet.

The FBI and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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

Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

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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.

Attorney General William P. Barr and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon announced on February 20, 2020, that the DEA will direct enforcement resources to methamphetamine “transportation hubs” — areas where methamphetamine is often trafficked in bulk and then distributed across the country. While continuing to focus on stopping drugs being smuggled across the border, DEA’s Operation Crystal Shield will ramp up enforcement to block their further distribution into America’s neighborhoods.

DEA has identified eight major methamphetamine transportation hubs where these efforts will be concentrated: Atlanta, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, and St. Louis. Together, these DEA Field Divisions accounted for more than 75 percent of methamphetamine seized in the U.S. in 2019.

“While meth is not a new drug, it has seen a troubling resurgence over the past few years,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Manufactured mostly in Mexican labs and smuggled into the United States across the southwest border, meth is a drug that is both cheap and potent, creating a deadly combination. Just as the Trump Administration has acted swiftly to stem the tide of opioid fatalities, it will use every weapon in its arsenal – such as the DEA’s Operation Crystal Shield - to stop dangerous methamphetamine from reaching American neighborhoods and harming American families.”

“Illegal drugs are wreaking havoc on our communities. Finding and prosecuting those who sell this poison is a priority of my office,” said David C. Joseph, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners each day to disrupt drug trafficking networks, imprison their participants, and forfeit any proceeds to the United States.  Make no mistake, crystal methamphetamine is a grave threat to the well-being of our citizens.”

Operation Crystal Shield builds on existing DEA initiatives that target major drug trafficking networks, including the Mexican cartels that are responsible for the overwhelming majority of methamphetamine trafficked into and within the United States. From FY 2017 to FY 2019, DEA domestic seizures of methamphetamine increased 127 percent from 49,507 pounds to 112,146 pounds. During the same time frame, the number of DEA arrests related to methamphetamine rose nearly twenty percent.

“For decades, methamphetamine has been a leading cause of violence and addiction – a drug threat that has never gone away,” said Acting Administrator Dhillon. “With a 22 percent increase in methamphetamine-related overdose deaths, now is the time to act, and DEA is leading the way with a surge of interdiction efforts and resources, targeting regional transportation hubs throughout the United States. By reducing the supply of meth, we reduce the violence, addiction, and death it spreads.”

DEA New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, “Methamphetamine destroys lives and is one of the primary drivers of violence across the nation, including here in our four-state region. Operation Crystal Shield will build on DEA’s ongoing efforts to hold meth dealers accountable. We will continue to seize their profits, shut down their distribution networks, and put dealers where they belong – behind bars. By continuing to target local distribution networks in this transportation hub, DEA and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are working to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life for the citizens in our area and beyond.”

The DEA New Orleans Field Division, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, is seeing a significant increase in the amount of methamphetamine seized, up 58 percent in the last year.

Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country. It is often found in poly-drug loads, alongside cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.

Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, and www.dea.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.           

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana collected over $44 million in civil and criminal actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. Of this amount, $24,561,613.58 was collected in civil actions, and $3,554,319.45 was collected in criminal actions handled solely by the Western District.

The office also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $16,094,499.63 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Collections included $16,088,679.32 in civil actions and $5,820.31 in criminal actions.

The Financial Litigation Unit (FLU) of the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $1,210,112.31 through garnishment actions filed by the FLU and $456,477.07 through the Treasury Offset Program, which allows for the offset of funds payable by the United States to certain delinquent debts owed to the United States.

Overall, the Justice Department collected a total of just over $9.3 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.     

“The $44 million collected by our office is a credit to the outstanding work performed by our attorneys and staff, each of whom are deeply committed to finding and collecting monies owed to the United States and crime victims,” Joseph stated. “We look forward to continuing our work to recover any and all money owed to taxpayers and to those whose lives have been impacted by crime. 

FY 2019 Collections Highlights

Evangeline Enterprises LLC of Carencro, Louisiana, a racehorse training-center operator, agreed to pay $300,000 in October 2018 in civil penalties to settle Clean Water Act claims filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). The settlement resolved claims by EPA and LDEQ that Evangeline illegally discharged process wastewater, contaminated with horse manure, urine, and other biological materials, from its facility into the Vermilion River and its tributary Francois Coulee, in violation of the Clean Water Act and the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/carencro-race-horse-training-center-owner-will-pay-civil-penalties-and-perform

In January 2019, Sunoco Pipeline L.P. agreed to pay the United States $5 million in federal civil penalties, resulting from a joint federal-state Clean Water Act (CWA) enforcement action filed in the Western District of Louisiana, to resolve alleged CWA violations stemming from three crude oil spills in 2013, 2014, and 2015 in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/sunoco-pipeline-lp-pay-more-54m-and-take-oil-spill-prevention-steps-settle-claims

In May 2019, Morrison & Dickson Company, LLC, the largest privately owned wholesale pharmaceutical distributor in the United States and the fourth largest in the country, entered into a settlement agreement with the United States in which Morris & Dickson agreed to pay $22 million in civil penalties to resolve claims that it violated the Controlled Substances Act. The claims against Morris & Dickson arose from a Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control investigation into Morris & Dickson’s failure to report suspicious orders of hydrocodone and oxycodone. DEA Diversion agents identified more than 12,000 allegedly suspicious retail pharmacy orders that should have been reported since January 2014.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/us-attorney-david-c-joseph-announces-settlement-louisiana-drug-distributor-resolving

In September 2019, Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana and its related companies, and the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College agreed to pay $531,241.74 in damages to resolve claims that they violated the False Claims Act and other laws while operating University Health Hospital in Shreveport. The Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana and LSU were alleged to have sought and obtained payment from Medicare for procedures that required reporting to a qualified registry.  The procedures that they failed to report involved implantable automatic defibrillators, which are electronic devices designed to detect and treat life-threatening tachyarrhythmias. This settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/qui-tam-lawsuit-and-federal-investigation-results-half-million-dollar-settlement

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office covers 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes and includes the cities of Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Monroe. The office is composed of approximately 40 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 41 staff members at offices in Shreveport and Lafayette.  

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ALEXANDRIA, SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted.

SENTENCING – ALBERT MICKLUS III

Multi-Convicted Felon from Boyce Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Albert Micklus III, 31, of Boyce, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 100 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty on November 6, 2019, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

During the execution of an arrest warrant on April 24, 2018, officers with the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force found Micklus hidden in a camper and in possession of a Smith & Wesson M&P 5.56mm AR-15 rifle that he admitted to stealing during a home invasion.

Prior to his arrest on April 24, 2018, Micklus’ criminal history included felony convictions for attempted entry of an inhabited dwelling and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (2009), simple burglary and criminal conspiracy (2012), and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (2017). At the time of his arrest, he had outstanding state arrest warrants for attempted first degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, home invasion, aggravated cruelty to animals, domestic abuse battery, and second degree battery.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING – DANIEL ELLSWORTH

Felon Sent Back to Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Daniel Lee Ellsworth, 29, of Alexandria, was sentenced on February 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 32 months in prison and one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty on October 21, 2019, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On September 11, 2018, parole officers went to Ellsworth’s residence to conduct a compliance check. Ellsworth was on state probation at the time for a felony conviction in Rapides Parish for attempted possession of a firearm by a felon. While there, officers found a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun in his bedroom. Ellsworth is a multiple-time convicted felon, and admitted that he knew his status as a convicted felon prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. There is no parole in the federal system.

Daniel Ellsworth has prior felony convictions in Rapides Parish for simple burglary (2009), possession of marijuana (2015), attempted possession of a firearm by a felon (2015), and drug paraphernalia (2018). He also has a prior felony conviction in Calcasieu Parish for illegal use of a weapon (2013). It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ Division of Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING – RONALD LOUIS HALL JR.

Alexandria Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Firearms and Drug Offenses

ALEXANDRIA – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Ronald Louis Hall Jr., 29, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 10 years in federal prison for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone. Judge Drell also sentenced Hall to three years of supervised release following his release from prison. Hall pled guilty to these charges on November 14, 2019.

On January 6, 2019, while traveling in Rapides Parish, a Louisiana State trooper initiated a stop of Hall’s vehicle for two traffic violations. As the officer approached the vehicle to make contact with Hall, he encountered the smell of burnt marijuana. Hall admitted to smoking marijuana earlier and consented to a search of his vehicle. During the search, officers found a 9mm extended magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition in the glove compartment. Officers later discovered a hidden compartment in the vehicle that held five plastic cellophane bags containing 452 Oxycodone pills, a powerful opioid.

Hall has prior felony narcotics convictions in Rapides Parish for possession of marijuana second offense (2013) and third offense (2015), and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2014). It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

The FBI Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case.

GUILTY PLEA – WILLIS ELMER LACOUR

 Alexandria Man Admits to Distributing Methamphetamine

ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Willis Elmer Lacour, 39, entered a guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to information presented to the court, Lacour was known to law enforcement as a multi-convicted drug felon who was distributing methamphetamine in and around Central Louisiana. On December 4, 2019, agents with the FBI Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force arrested Lacour for distribution of approximately 460 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, officers found $1,851 in Lacour’s pocket and $5,640 in the glove compartment of the vehicle he was driving. Lacour claimed ownership of the cash found in the glove compartment and admitted to distributing the methamphetamine.

Lacour faces up to 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine at his sentencing on May 15, 2020.

The FBI Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Crawford is prosecuting the case.

GUILTY PLEA – KENTRELL DEMARCIA TURNER

 Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty in Federal Court

SHREVEPORT, La. – A Shreveport resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced.

Kentrell Demarcia Turner, 28, pleaded guilty on February 12, 2020, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

During routine patrol on February 23, 2018, a Shreveport Police officer detected the smell of marijuana coming from a parked vehicle. As the officer approached the vehicle, Turner exited and stood near the open driver’s side door. Once out of the vehicle, officers could see a large plastic bag containing marijuana on the center console and a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. The pistol was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Officers also discovered $3,509 in Turner’s left front pocket. After Turner was transported to the Shreveport City Jail, he attempted to remove powder cocaine that he had hidden on his body. An inventory of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of cocaine rocks found on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.

Turner has prior felony convictions from 2011 and 2012 in Caddo Parish for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

Judge Hicks scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2020, at which time Turner faces up to 20 years in prison for the cocaine charge, and five years in prison for the firearm charge.   

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

# # #

The firearms cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

The firearms cases are also 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.

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.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – A former Valex Federal Credit Union loan officer and assistant manager was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for bank fraud, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell also ordered Cynthia J. Feazell, 49, of Montgomery, Louisiana, to pay $221,426.44 in restitution to Valex Federal Credit Union’s insurer, CUNA Mutual – CUMIS Insurance (CUMIS). According to court documents, Feazell worked as a loan officer and assistant manager at Valex Federal Credit Union (Valex) in Rapides Parish from 1997 to 2016. The defendant decided to purchase a mobile home in 2015 and obtained loan funds from Valex. She did not qualify for the loan, so she transferred three vehicle loans taken out in her name to her mother’s name in order to lower her debt-to-equity ratio so that it would appear she qualified for the loan. Additionally, Feazell authorized loans for her ex-husband, even though she knew he did not meet the Valex credit requirements. Feazell admitted at her guilty plea on September 10, 2019, that she falsified documents to accomplish the scheme and was aware her actions were fraudulent.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.

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.

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Holden Matthews, de 22 años, se declaró culpable hoy en el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana de prender fuego intencionalmente a tres iglesias bautistas por motivo del carácter religioso de esos edificios. En concreto, Matthews se declaró culpable ante tres cargos de vulneración de la ley de Prevención de Incendios Provocados en Iglesias, Sección 247(a)(1) del Título 18 del Código de los EE. UU. —un cargo por cada iglesia— y un cargo de uso de incendio para la comisión de un delito federal, lo que contraviene la Sección 844(h) del Título 18 del Código de los EE. UU. Los incendios, que Matthews provocó a lo largo de un período de diez días entre marzo y abril del 2019, destrozaron completamente a cada una de las iglesias.

En la audiencia en la que se declaró culpable, Matthews admitió que entre el 26 de marzo y el 4 de abril, provocó incendios intencionalmente en tres iglesias bautistas, cuyas congregaciones son mayoritariamente afroestadounidenses, en la zona de Opelousas, Luisiana. Primero, el 26 de marzo del 2019, Matthews provocó un incendio en a la Iglesia Bautista St. Mary en Port Barre, Luisiana. Luego, el 2 de abril del 2019, Matthews provocó un incendio en la Iglesia Bautista Greater Union en Opelousas, Luisiana. Finalmente, el 4 de abril del 2019, Matthews provocó un incendio en la Iglesia Bautista Mount Pleasant en Opelousas, Luisiana. Los incendios que Matthews provocó destrozaron cada una de las iglesias. Matthews admitió que provocó los incendios por el carácter religioso de los edificios, en un intento de realzar su imagen como músico de «black metal» al copiar delitos similares que cometidos en Noruega en los años 90. Más aún, Matthews admitió que, tras prender el tercer fuego, había colgado fotografías y vídeos en Facebook que mostraban las primeras dos iglesias quemándose. Matthews admitió que había tomado esos vídeos y fotografías en tiempo real en su celular mientras se quedó viendo las iglesias quemarse y que los había colgado en Facebook en un intento de realzar su imagen en la comunidad de black metal.

«El Departamento de Justicia se mantiene firme en su compromiso a proteger el derecho al culto sin amenazas de discriminación o violencia», afirmó el Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles, Eric Dreiband. «Matthews admitió que prendió fuego a las tres iglesias por motivo de su carácter religioso. Su conducta desgraciada vulneró los derechos civiles de los feligreses de la iglesia y dañó a sus comunidades».

«Hoy, el acusado se ha hecho responsable de la quema y destrucción de nuestras tres iglesias», dijo David C. Joseph, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana. «La libertad de culto y reunión segura en nuestras iglesias es un derecho fundamental de todo estadounidense, y mi oficina y nuestras agencias asociadas del orden público lo defenderemos enérgicamente. Quisiera dar las gracias a la Agencia de Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF, por sus siglas en inglés), el Buró Federal de Investigaciones (FBI, por sus siglas en inglés), la Oficina del Sheriff de la Parroquia de St. Landry, los Bomberos de la Parroquia de St. Landry, el Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Luisiana, la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos del Fiscal General de Luisiana, la Policía Estatal de Luisiana y el Jefe de Bomberos del Estados de Florida por su trabajo intenso y colaboración continua en este caso».

«Holden Matthews tomó una decisión consciente de elegir como objetivo y destrozar iglesias dentro de su propia comunidad. Sus acciones atroces infligieron dolores y angustias graves en aquellas congregaciones, así como en toda la Parroquia de St. Landry», declaró Bryan Vorndran, el Agente Especial Encargado del FBI en la Oficina Local de Nueva Orleans. «A lo largo de esta investigación, los hombres y las mujeres del FBI, la ATF, la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Luisiana, la Oficina del Sheriff de la Parroquia de St. Landry, la Fiscalía de Distrito para la Parroquia de St. Landry, la Policía Estatal de Luisiana, la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos del Fiscal General de Luisiana Jeff Landry y la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Florida trabajaron sin tregua para llevar a Holden Matthews ante la justicia».

«Una parte vital de nuestra misión es la protección de las comunidades», comentó el Agente Especial Encargados de la ATF Kurt Thielhorn. «La ATF seguirá aportando sus recursos y experiencia a la investigación de incendios provocados en lugares de culto, los que amenazan el bienestar de nuestras comunidades. Quiero dar las gracias a todas nuestras agencias del orden público por haberse esforzado tanto en garantizar que se haga justicia».

Matthews será condenado el 22 de mayo del 2020. Se enfrenta a una pena mínima de diez años de cárcel y una pena máxima legal de 70 años de cárcel.

Este caso fue investigado por el Equipo Nacional de Respuesta de la ATF; la Oficina Satélite en Lafayette de la División Local de la ATF de Nueva Orleans; la Agencia Residente en Lafayette de la Oficina Local del FBI en Nueva Orleans; la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Luisiana, la Policía Estatal de Luisiana; la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos del Estado de Luisiana; los Bomberos de la Parroquía de St. Landry; y la Oficina Sheriff de la Parroquia de St. Landry. El Fiscal Federal John Luke Walker, de la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana, y la Abogada de Litigios Risa Berkower, de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia son responsables del enjuiciamiento del caso.

Para más información sobre el trabajo del Departamento de Justicia por combatir y prevenir los delitos de odio, vaya a www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: es un portal único con enlaces a recursos del Departamento de Justicia relacionados con delitos de odio para la policía, los medios de comunicación, investigadores, víctimas, grupos de apoyo, y otras organizaciones y personas.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Holden Matthews, 22, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Lafayette to intentionally setting fire to three Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings. Specifically, Matthews pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act—one count for each church—as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony. The fires, which Matthews set over a ten-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings. United States District Court Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the hearing. 

At the plea hearing, Matthews admitted that, between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area. First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The fires Matthews set destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning.  Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.

“Today, the defendant has taken responsibility for the burning and destruction of three of our churches,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The freedom to safely congregate and worship in our churches is a fundamental right of all Americans and will be vigorously protected by my office and our law enforcement partners.  I want to thank the ATF, FBI, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit, Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for their hard work and seamless collaboration on this case.”

“The Department of Justice will remain unwavering in its protection of the freedom to practice religion without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Matthews admitted to setting fire to three churches because of their religious character. His disgraceful conduct violated the civil rights of the church’s parishioners and harmed their communities.”

“Protecting our communities is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to provide expertise and resources to investigate arson at houses of worship which threaten the well-being of our communities.  I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for working tirelessly to ensure justice will be served.”

“Holden Matthews made a conscious decision to randomly target and destroy churches within his own community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “His atrocious actions inflicted severe pain and grief upon these congregations, as well as all of St. Landry Parish. Throughout this investigation, the men and women of the FBI, ATF, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office worked tirelessly to bring Holden Matthews to justice.” 

Matthews will be sentenced on May 22, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team, the Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division, the Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, the Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, the St. Landry Parish Fire Department, and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals. 

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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.

Holden Matthews, 22, pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Louisiana to intentionally setting fire to three Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings.  Specifically, Matthews pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 247(a)(1) — one count for each church — as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(h).  The fires, which Matthews set over a 10-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings. 

At the plea hearing, Matthews admitted that, between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area.  First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana.  Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana.  Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The fires Matthews set destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning.  Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.

“The Department of Justice will remain unwavering in its protection of the freedom to practice religion without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Matthews admitted to setting fire to three churches because of their religious character. His disgraceful conduct violated the civil rights of the church’s parishioners and harmed their communities.”

“Today, the defendant has taken responsibility for the burning and destruction of three of our churches,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana. “The freedom to safely congregate and worship in our churches is a fundamental right of all Americans and will be vigorously protected by my office and our law enforcement partners.  I want to thank the ATF, FBI, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit, Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for their hard work and seamless collaboration on this case.”

“Holden Matthews made a conscious decision to randomly target and destroy churches within his own community. His atrocious actions inflicted severe pain and grief upon these congregations, as well as all of St. Landry Parish,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office.  “Throughout this investigation, the men and women of the FBI, ATF, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office worked tirelessly to bring Holden Matthews to justice.” 

“Protecting our communities is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to provide expertise and resources to investigate arson at houses of worship which threaten the well-being of our communities. I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for working tirelessly to ensure justice will be served.”

Matthews will be sentenced on May 22, 2020.  He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team; the Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division; the Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office; the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal; the Louisiana State Police; the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit; the St. Landry Parish Fire Department; and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals. 

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Angelo Demario Young, 30, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty on February 3, 2020, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the court, on June 11, 2019, Angelo Young recorded a video of himself and posted it to social media showing him firing numerous rounds of ammunition from a Glock .357 pistol into a paper target at a shooting range in Shreveport. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Young’s three prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish for illegal possession of a stolen firearm (2009), possession with intent to distribute narcotics (2015), and possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a convicted felon (2017), prohibited him from possessing firearms.

Angelo Young will be sentenced by Judge Hicks on June 10, 2020, and faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

This case is also 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.

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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.

 

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Dexter Nash, 34, of Lake Charles, was sentenced February 6, 2020, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to 24 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, to run consecutively. Judge Cain also sentenced Dexter Nash to three years of supervised release following his release from prison. Nash pled guilty to these charges on October 24, 2019.

According to information presented to the court, on May 4, 2017, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies stopped Nash’s vehicle for a traffic violation and discovered that he was in possession of 35 grams of cocaine and $3,865 in cash. Officers secured a court approved search warrant of Nash’s residence and found an AK-47 rifle loaded with two 30 round magazines and a safe containing $2,461 in cash, a money counter, and an electronic hand mixer containing white powdery residue on the end. They also found a black backpack containing two digital scales, the key to the safe, a box of sandwich sized plastic bags, and several individually wrapped bags of powder cocaine totaling 192 grams.

Dexter Nash admitted to possessing between 200 and 300 grams of cocaine that he intended to distribute and that he intentionally possessed the AK-47 to use to advance his cocaine trafficking.

The FBI and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen prosecuted the case.

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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.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Laterreon Daron Morrison, 23, of Bossier City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on February 4, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Morrison was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Hearne Avenue and Hilry Huckaby Avenue in Shreveport on May 1, 2018. Officers responded to the area, fell in behind Morrison’s vehicle and activated the patrol car’s emergency lights and sirens. Morrison stopped in the middle of the lane, exited the vehicle, and attempted to flee on foot when officers tried to conduct a pat down. Morrison was apprehended by law enforcement shortly thereafter and was taken into custody. Officers recovered a Zastava 7.62X39mm caliber pistol from Morrison’s vehicle.

Morrison was a convicted felon at the time of this incident, having previously been convicted of aggravated battery in Bossier Parish in 2014.  Felons are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Laterreon Morrison will be sentenced by Judge Foote on June 12, 2020, and faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

This case is also 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.

# # #

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.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Jon Michael Mauldwin, 28, was sentenced today to 241 months in prison and five years of supervised release for a federal carjacking and related firearms charge stemming from the kidnapping of a Port Barre man, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Mauldwin to 121 months for the federal carjacking charge, which will run concurrent to pending state charges, and an additional, consecutive 10 years for using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Mauldwin pled guilty to these charges in U.S. District Court in Alexandria on September 9, 2019.

The incident began in the early morning hours of August 20, 2017, at approximately 1:00 a.m., when Mauldwin crashed his vehicle at a residence in Port Barre. Mauldwin exited the vehicle, had a brief encounter with an individual at the residence, then re-entered his vehicle and drove down the road where he wrecked for the second time. After the second crash, he entered the home of a Port Barre man, brandishing a black handgun. Mauldwin forced the victim out of his home at gunpoint demanding that the victim use his own truck to drive him to a store. Along the way, Mauldwin told the victim he was going to die and fired the gun in front of the victim’s face causing the driver’s side window to shatter and causing hearing loss in the victim’s left ear. When they arrived at a convenience store, the victim managed to get away and get help. Mauldwin continued his crime spree in Point Coupee Parish where he was subsequently arrested.

The FBI, ATF the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Point Coupee Sheriff’s Office and Livonia Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Julio Francisco Lindo, 30, of Honduras, and Maria Yajaira Urias-Cordova, 26, of El Salvador, both illegally present in the United States, charging them with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and nine counts of illegal alien transportation, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

According to the indictment, on January 14, 2020, Border Patrol agents conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle traveling east on Interstate 10 in Lake Charles. Julio Lindo, the driver of the vehicle, and Maria Urias-Cordova, a passenger in the vehicle, were transporting nine individuals that they knew to be illegally present in the United States: five from Guatemala, three from Mexico, and one from El Salvador. Agents located five of the nine individuals piled on top of each other in the rear cargo area of the Honda Pilot, and four individuals in the back passenger seat, one of whom was an unaccompanied minor, lying on the floor face up underneath another’s feet.

If convicted, Julio Francisco Lindo and Maria Yajaira Urias-Cordova both face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, for each count.

U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Daniel Dewayne Aikens, 37, of Alexandria, charging him with one count of making a threat by telephone, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

According to the indictment, on January 2, 2020, Aikens used a cell phone to contact an employee of PayDay Today and made a threatening demand for $10,000 in cash. He initially spoke to the employee about a set of lost keys. While the employee was in the parking lot looking for the keys, a device exploded in a trash can near the building. Aikens told the employee that he had caused the explosion and threatened another explosion if he was not given $10,000 in cash. Aikens was discharged from his position as a commissioned officer in the Louisiana National Guard shortly after his arrest in connection with this incident.

If convicted, Daniel Aikens faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, and the Alexandria Fire Department investigated the case, with the assistance of the Alexandria Public Safety Commissioner and the City of Alexandria Mayor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – Nine defendants charged with various federal drug offenses linked to a large methamphetamine and cocaine distribution ring based in Calcasieu and Beauregard parishes have been sentenced to federal prison for their crimes, announced David C. Joseph, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter handed down sentences for nine defendants, with the final sentencings occurring on Monday, January 27, 2020, at the federal courthouse in Lake Charles.

On January 27, 2020:

Antonio Montero, 57, a Cuban national, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty on September 24, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

Felix Perez, 56, a citizen of Cuba, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty on September 25, 2019, to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (cocaine); and

Lionel Peschier, 49, of Sulphur, Louisiana, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty on September 24, 2019, to one count of attempted distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine).

On December 16, 2019:

Julio Elizagarate, 68, a Cuban national, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty on September 5, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

Michael Miers, 57, of DeRidder, Louisiana, was sentenced to 40 months in prison after pleading guilty on February 13, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine;

Zetherneal Elizagarate, 57, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty on April 3, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;

Juan Gonzalez, 67, a Cuban national, of Leesville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 71 months in prison after pleading guilty on July 3, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine;

Gary S. Byrd, 48, was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty on August 15, 2019, to one count of distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine); and

Angie Perez, 49, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty on September 13, 2019, to one count of distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine).

From June 2017 through May 2018, law enforcement agents used controlled purchases and court-authorized wire taps to investigate Antonio Montero and three other Cuban nationals who were dealing large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine in southwest Louisiana. Law enforcement officers learned of multiple stash houses and identified Antonio Montero and Juan Gonzalez as suppliers of methamphetamine and Michael Miers as a supplier of multiple kilos of cocaine. Five search warrants were executed and agents seized multiple kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine.

When Miers was arrested at his residence on July 31, 2018, agents found $40,300 in cash proceeds from narcotics transactions, 5,343 grams of cocaine and 3,338 grams of methamphetamine. Miers admitted that he obtained the 3,338 grams of methamphetamine from Julio Elizagarate and Antonio Montero in trade for the same amount of cocaine.

Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, Louisiana State Police, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Combined Anti-Drug Task Force, Beauregard Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, Iowa Police Department, and DeRidder Police Department participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth is prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jason Matthew Porterfield, 37, of Shreveport, was sentenced today, by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to serve 130 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Porterfield pleaded guilty on May 22, 2019.

During surveillance of an ongoing narcotics investigation at a Shreveport hotel on Interstate Drive, law enforcement officers encountered Porterfield on March 18, 2019, as he was exiting the hotel. Porterfield consented to a search of his hotel room where officers found approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine packaged in various quantities, packaging materials, digital scales, a drug ledger, and $3,831 in cash. Agents also found one gram of marijuana and 249 Xanax pills, along with other drug paraphernalia.

Porterfield admitted that he had been selling methamphetamine and Xanax for about six months. He told officers that he sells methamphetamine to about eight different people and Xanax to three or four different people. 

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – A licensed pharmacist, who was formerly employed with the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Shreveport, was found guilty today by a federal jury for stealing controlled substances from mail-out prescriptions, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

Following a one-week trial and four hours of deliberations, Melissa W. Richardson, 44, of Shreveport, was found guilty of 15 counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud.

According to evidence presented at trial, on June 9, 2017, Richardson, a licensed pharmacist employed at the VAMC, stole various quantities of Hydrocodone out of individual prescription bottles as she verified mail-out prescriptions meant for veterans. The prescriptions at issue had been prepared by a pharmacy technician and were awaiting a second count and verification from Richardson. Video surveillance from inside the VAMC controlled substances vault showed Richardson slipping the pills into her pocket as she counted the prescriptions. In multiple instances, she slipped pills into her pocket before the pills were counted. Video footage showed her then verify that the prescription was correct in the VAMC’s computer system, seal the bottle, place it in a sealed envelope, and drop it in a bin for mail-out. When federal agents confronted Richardson, she had 236 loose pills in her pocket.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell are prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, announced that a Cotton Valley woman was sentenced for stealing more than $1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Feeding Service Program, a federal feeding program meant to provide meals to economically disadvantaged children during the summer months when they are not in school.

Myrna Thomas Quarles, 59, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to serve 71 months in federal prison. Judge Walter also sentenced Quarles, who pleaded guilty to theft of government property on September 18, 2019, to three years of supervised release following her confinement and ordered her to pay $1,460,541.41 in restitution.

Quarles was the director of Greater Horizons Developmental Services, a non-profit headquartered in Webster Parish. Greater Horizons received reimbursements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Feeding Service Program, which was administered through the State of Louisiana. From 2014 through 2015, Greater Horizons submitted reimbursement claims that greatly inflated the number of eligible meals provided. Once Greater Horizons received the money, Quarles wrote checks that were payable to vendors and other third parties, but instead of sending those checks to the vendors, Quarles deposited that money into her personal bank account, which totaled over $1 million in theft from the federal feeding program. Additionally, Quarles used the Greater Horizons’ checking account to pay for personal expenses that she charged to a Greater Horizons credit card totaling $370,816.61. Purchases included real estate, farm equipment, a restaurant, air travel, cruises and designer luxury items.

“Quarles stole from a taxpayer-funded program meant to provide meals to children,” stated U.S. Attorney Joseph. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute this and other types of fraud. Today’s sentence should send the clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will bring justice to those who defraud the taxpayers and take advantage of the most vulnerable among us.”

“Make no mistake – this was bold and shameless thievery of nearly $1.5 million intended to feed hungry children,” stated Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street.  “Ms. Quarles showed an outrageous lack of concern for the taxpayers and the children those funds were supposed to benefit. Today’s sentence should send the message loud and clear that the party is over. If you steal from the public, you had better be prepared to go to jail. We will continue doing everything in our power to make sure of it. I want to thank United States Attorney David C. Joseph and his staff for their usual outstanding work, as well as our partners at the FBI.”

The FBI, and State of Louisiana, Office of State Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – A Bossier City oil and gas company owner made his initial appearance today, January 15, 2020, on behalf of himself and his company, after being charged in an 18-count indictment for allegedly harboring aliens, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

Tim Icenhower, 57, of Marshall, Texas, and Icenhower Oil and Gas, Inc., a pipeline and oilfield construction company located in Bossier City, Louisiana, were indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2019, on 18 counts of harboring aliens. Icenhower appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby where he was advised of his rights and the charges pending against him and his company.

The government did not move to detain the defendant and Icenhower was released on bond. Magistrate Judge Hornsby has scheduled a status conference for March 16, 2020, to set a timeline for discovery matters and a trial date. 

According to allegations contained in the indictment, between January 2017 and continuing to the present, Icenhower Oil and Gas, Inc., and Tim Icenhower knowingly employed illegal aliens and, in doing so, encouraged them to reside in the United States, aware that such residence was in violation of the law.

If convicted, Tim Icenhower faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count, and three years of supervised release; Icenhower Oil and Gas, Inc. faces a $500,000 fine for each count.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt 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.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. – A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Alexandria charging Daniel Dewayne Aikens, 37, of Alexandria, for an extortion scheme involving threats and the detonation of two pipe bombs, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

Aikens was arrested after a traffic stop on January 6, 2020, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph H.L. Perez-Montes on January 7, 2020, where he was advised of the charge contained in the complaint, arraigned on the charge, and detained. Aikens continues to remain in federal custody pending the outcome of his detention hearing on January 17, 2020. 

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Aikens contacted an employee of PayDay Today demanding $10,000 in cash. He initially spoke to the employee about a set of lost keys. While the employee was in the parking lot looking for the keys, a device exploded in a trash can near the building. The affidavit states Aikens told the employee that he caused the explosion and demanded $10,000 in cash. Aikens was discharged from his position as a commissioned officer in the Louisiana National Guard shortly after his arrest in connection with this incident.

“The defendant is charged with trying to extort money from his victims by using an explosive device,” stated United States Attorney Joseph. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners take the unlawful use of explosive devices very seriously due to the terrible damage they can inflict. I want to thank the FBI, ATF, and U.S. Marshal’s Service, as well as our state and local partners, for their immediate response to the scene as well as their seamless coordination to secure the safety of the citizens of Alexandria.”

If convicted on the extortion charge, Aikens faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, and the Alexandria Fire Department investigated the case, with the assistance of the Alexandria Public Safety Commissioner and the City of Alexandria Mayor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.

This matter will proceed in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, where the Criminal Complaint is currently pending. A Criminal Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Cory Shane Disotell, 48, of Port Barre, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to serve 262 months in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Disotell is required to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison. As a result of Disotell’s guilty plea on October 11, 2019, Judge Summerhays also ordered forfeiture of the Braztech S41118 .410 caliber shogun which was seized from Disotell at the time of his arrest in Durango, Colorado.   

Disotell devised a plan to coerce a 15-year old Port Barre minor to leave school and run away with him. On March 28, 2019, the defendant traveled to the school where the minor was a student and convinced the child to leave with him.  He then transported her to Mississippi, and thereafter to Durango, Colorado, where he was apprehended after an extensive nationwide manhunt. At the time of his arrest, the defendant admitted he took the child from Port Barre, Louisiana, to Mississippi, and ultimately to Durango, Colorado, engaging in sexual acts along the way.

The FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Port Barre Police Department, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, and Durango, Colorado Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.

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

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