Western District of Louisiana

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that David White Jr., 49, of Jonesville, Louisiana, was sentenced January 7, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to serve 97 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to information presented to the court, on February 5, 2019, David White Jr. sold approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to an undercover agent for $450.00. During the drug transaction, White pulled a North American Arms .22 Magnum revolver from his pocket and told the undercover agent that this was the weapon he carried.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, and the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

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Eric Lawaun Alexander Sentenced to Six-and-a-Half Years on Methamphetamine and Firearm Charges

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph, announced that Eric Lawaun Alexander, 38, of Jennings, Louisiana, was sentenced December 17, 2019, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to six-and-a-half years in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Cain also sentenced Alexander to a three-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. Alexander pleaded guilty to these charges on September 10, 2019.

According to information presented to the court, on December 2, 2018, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy stopped Eric Alexander’s vehicle for a traffic violation. During the stop, Alexander attempted to flee from law enforcement, but was apprehended and consented to a search of his vehicle. Officers found a loaded Glock 21 underneath the driver’s seat and 26.29 grams of methamphetamine in the center console.

Alexander has prior felony convictions in the 31st Judicial District Court in Jennings for possession of Alprazolam, distribution of crack cocaine, and possession of cocaine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

This case was 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.

Ronnie E. Prudhomme Sentenced to 13+ Years for Federal Drug Charges

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph announced that Ronnie E. Prudhomme, 30, of Jennings, Louisiana, was sentenced December 19, 2019, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to 160 months (13 years, 4 months) in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Prudhomme pleaded guilty on September 10, 2019.

According to information presented to the court, on January 28, 2019, a Louisiana State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop on Ronnie Prudhomme’s vehicle after observing a traffic violation on I-10.  After the traffic stop was initiated, the defendant attempted to flee, which led to a vehicular pursuit and eventual arrest of Prudhomme. During the pursuit, the trooper observed Prudhomme dumping large amounts of a substance out of plastic bags onto the highway. When Prudhomme reached an intersection, he brought his vehicle to a stop after seeing State Police troopers and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office units positioned along the roadway. During a search of the vehicle, officers found 176.2 grams of pure methamphetamine, 176 grams of Alprazolam, and $110,981 in U.S. currency. Prudhomme was in possession of $3,021 in his pockets, $8,000 inside a leather zipper bag under the driver’s seat, and $99,960 in a leather bag on the rear seat behind the driver’s seat. 

Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a federal grand jury indicted Lynn D. Cawthorne, 52, of Shreveport, on December 18, 2019, charging him with aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a false return.

The indictment includes two counts involving false returns for the tax years 2013 and 2014. The defendant willfully withheld information from his accountant when he reported an adjusted gross income of $7,555 for calendar year 2013 and an adjusted gross income of $9,529 for calendar year 2014. Cawthorne knew the information he presented to his accountant was false, which prevented his accountant from accurately reporting income for the years 2013 and 2014.

In April 2018, Cawthorne and his sister were indicted for stealing more than $536,000 from a program meant to supply meals to children during the summer. On April 26, 2018, a grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and seven counts of wire fraud. On February 28, 2019, additional charges were brought in a superseding indictment adding 18 counts of money laundering-related charges.

Cawthorne and his sister operated United Citizens and Neighborhoods (UCAN), as president and director, respectively. UCAN was a non-profit corporation that participated in the Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP), which is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education Division of Nutrition Support. The SFSP was established to ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session during the summer. 

Cawthorne is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby on January 8, 2020, to be arraigned for the tax charges. If convicted Cawthorne faces up to three years in prison, a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for each count.

Special agents with the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath 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.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned a three-count indictment on December 18, 2019, charging Michael Jarred Gentry, 32, of Shreveport, with second degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, resulting in death. Local authorities arrested Gentry on June 22, 2019, in connection with the death of Antonio Williams, a U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier.  Gentry has been in custody since his arrest.   

According to the indictment, Gentry shot and killed Antonio Williams on the morning of June 22, 2019, while Mr. Williams was working his mail delivery route on Dudley Drive in Shreveport. The indictment further charges that Gentry was a felon at the time he possessed the Romarm/Cugir WASR-10 and ammunition used in furtherance of the second degree murder charge. Gentry is a convicted felon and under federal law, it is illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Michael Gentry is scheduled to be arraigned on January 9, 2020, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby. If convicted, Michael Jarred Gentry faces up to life in prison for the second degree murder charge, 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and 10 years in prison for discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Shreveport Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.  U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown are prosecuting the case.  The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office also has pending homicide charges against Gentry and is working collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of this matter.

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

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SHREVEPORT, MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced six defendants from Shreveport and the surrounding area were sentenced this week and two Monroe residents pleaded guilty for drug distribution and federal firearms offenses. The firearms 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.

Three Men Sentenced in Methamphetamine-Trafficking Conspiracy

SHREVEPORT, La. – David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana announced that three men responsible for trafficking methamphetamine in the Caddo Parish area have been sentenced to serve time in federal prison.

George Alan Highsmith, 48, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Jeffrey Scott Holder, 52, of Stonewall, Louisiana, and David Tilden Byrd, 45, of Doyline, Louisiana, admitted their guilt on July 2, 2019 and July 22, 2019, respectively. Both men acknowledged their roles in the conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Today, Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. sentenced Highsmith to serve 11 years in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. On December 9, 2019, Judge Hicks ordered Holder to serve 115 months (9 years, 7 months) in prison, and on December 10, 2019, sentenced Byrd to five years in prison. Both received five years of supervised release.

The sentencings were the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) after learning that Byrd, Highsmith and Holder were distributors of methamphetamine in the Caddo Parish area.  Holder was supplied by Highsmith; Byrd and Highsmith often collaborated to distribute the meth. On November 6, 2018, the DEA and Louisiana State Police organized a controlled telephone call between Byrd and Highsmith, during which Highsmith agreed to purchase seven ounces of methamphetamine from Byrd at the Horseshoe Casino Hotel parking garage. When Highsmith arrived to meet Byrd, he was taken into custody.  

After Highsmith’s arrest, he consented to a search of his hotel room where agents found 29.8 grams of pure methamphetamine, a drug scale, a Sig Saur 9mm semi-automatic handgun with one round of ammunition in the chamber and 12 additional rounds in the magazine, an additional 9mm magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition found inside an open safe located in the hotel room closet, and $1,970 in drug proceed money. Highsmith admitted that the 29.8 grams of meth was what remained of five ounces of meth he received from Byrd on November 5, 2018. The investigation revealed that Highsmith and Byrd’s source of supply was an individual in the Dallas, Texas, area.

On November 6, 2018, Louisiana State Police initiated a stop on Byrd’s vehicle for a traffic violation. Byrd consented to a search of his vehicle and troopers found approximately 475 grams of pure methamphetamine, syringes, two metal bowls, and a drug scale hidden above the rear fender of the pickup truck. Byrd admitted to purchasing one kilogram of methamphetamine from his north Texas supplier on November 5, 2018 for $7,600 and that he had purchased approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine from the same supplier from August 2018 until his arrest. 

Holder was arrested on October 23, 2018, by a DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop of his vehicle that produced 122.69 grams of pure methamphetamine found in a black bag on the back floorboard.

The DEA, Louisiana State Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

Two Shreveport Felons Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearms

SHREVEPORT, La. – Lequinton Jerry, 25, and Omar Williams, 28, both of Shreveport, were sentenced on December 12, 2019, for illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

According to information presented to the court, on June 7, 2018, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputies stopped Omar Williams’ vehicle for a traffic violation. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a Pioneer Arms, Model PPS43C, 9x19-caliber pistol in the trunk of the car and a Glock, Model 23, .40-caliber pistol underneath the front passenger seat. Williams told officers, “I know I am a convicted felon and not supposed to be in possession of a firearm,” and “I own the gun that was found in the trunk. I don’t own the other gun they found in the car.” The other gun was owned by Lequinton Jerry, the sole passenger sitting in the front seat, who was also in possession of matching .40-caliber ammunition inside his pants pocket.

At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. ordered Lequinton Jerry to 21 months in prison, and Omar Williams to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each. Both defendants pleaded guilty to these charges on August 26, 2019.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition. Omar Williams previously pleaded guilty on June 16, 2014, to attempted illegal possession of weapons while in possession of controlled dangerous substances. Lequinton Jerry previously pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled dangerous substance (Alprazolam) on September 28, 2016.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper prosecuted the case.

Shreveport Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution, Federal Firearms Offense

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Roger W. Shepard, 32, of Shreveport, was sentenced December 10, 2019, by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to two years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, to run consecutively. Judge Hicks also sentenced Roger Shepard to three years of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. Shepard pleaded guilty to these charges on July 31, 2019.

According to information presented to the court, on November 19, 2018, a Shreveport police officer responded to a complaint at the Sportran/Greyhound bus terminal. When the officer arrived, he saw Shepard in an argument with another individual and discovered that he was in possession of a Hi-Point .40-caliber pistol tucked into his waistband, a loaded magazine in his front pocket, and 43 individually wrapped packages of cocaine, totaling approximately 10 grams, which he intended to deliver to a third party.

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

Two Monroe Felons Plead Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge

Nanderrious Thomas

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Nanderrious Thomas, 22, of Monroe, pleaded guilty today, before U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to felon in possession of a firearm.

According to documents filed with the court, Monroe Police Department officers were conducting an active warrant canvas on November 16, 2018, when they spotted Nanderrious Thomas, who had outstanding felony warrants. Thomas fled when he saw the officers and crawled under an abandoned house. Immediately after he was apprehended, a detective recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model SD.40 VE, semi-automatic handgun from underneath the house, and 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition - one round in the chamber and 13 rounds in the magazine.

Thomas has a prior felony conviction in Ouachita Parish for aggravated battery. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

Nanderrious Thomas will be sentenced by Judge Doughty on April 1, 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), U.S. Marshal’s Service, and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle A. Thompson is prosecuting the case.

Rodriguez Dewayne Cobbs

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Rodriguez Dewayne Cobbs, 27, of Monroe, pleaded guilty today, before U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to felon in possession of a firearm.

According to documents filed with the court, on January 21, 2019, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cobbs following a traffic stop of his vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, Cobbs informed the officer that he had a gun in his right front jacket pocket. Officers retrieved a Smith & Wesson, Model SD.40 VE, semi-automatic handgun loaded with one round in the chamber and 13 rounds in the magazine, and a Glock .9mm magazine lying on the front passenger seat, loaded with two rounds.

Cobbs has prior felony convictions in Ouachita and Caddo Parishes for attempted possession of codeine, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

Rodriguez Cobbs will be sentenced by Judge Doughty on April 1, 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 Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s office conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle A. Thompson is prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Glenn Frierson, 39, of Shreveport, was sentenced this morning by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 151 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Local authorities arrested Frierson on January 15, 2019, in connection with the death of Shreveport Police Officer Chateri’ Payne.  

According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, Frierson’s federal charges are the result of an investigation by the Shreveport Police Department after learning that narcotic transactions were occurring at Frierson’s place of business. After several controlled buys were made with undercover law enforcement, officers with the Shreveport Police Department executed a state search warrant at his place of business on May 3, 2018. As officers entered the business, Frierson placed a Smith & Wesson, Model SD40, .40-caliber pistol, loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, on the floor of the bathroom next to his barber stall. Further investigation revealed that Frierson owned the pistol and carried it for protection when selling illegal drugs. During the search warrant, officers discovered 28 grams of methamphetamine inside his backpack and inside a false beverage container, along with a scale to weigh drugs. Frierson pleaded guilty to the federal charges on August 16, 2019.

“This case demonstrates the dangers presented by armed drug dealers in Shreveport and throughout the Western District of Louisiana,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “We will continue to make every effort at the federal level to eliminate this senseless violence and support our men and women in law enforcement.”  

Glenn Frierson was a convicted felon at the time he possessed the pistol. He pleaded guilty on May 4, 2009, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. 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 the Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE - United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph announced that the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs has awarded more than $376 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal law enforcement operations and reinforce public safety efforts in jurisdictions across the United States. The awards include $1,024,834 million to support public safety activities in the Western District of Louisiana.

“These public safety grants will give our local, state, and community partners additional resources to assist them in the fight against violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “I want to thank the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Program, for making these grants available to organizations within the Western District of Louisiana. Working together with our law enforcement and community partners, we are making Louisiana safer for its citizens.”

“Crime and violence hold families, friends and neighborhoods hostage, and they rip communities apart,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These programs help restore the health and safety of crime-ravaged communities by supporting prevention activities, aiding in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators, facilitating appropriate sentencing and adjudication, and providing communities and their residents the means for recovery and healing.”

The awards announced support an array of crime-fighting initiatives, including the quarter-billion dollar Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Program, which funds public safety efforts in 929 state, local and tribal jurisdictions. Funding also supports sex offender registration and notification, law enforcement-based victim services, the testing of sexual assault kits, and programs designed to address youth with sexual behavioral problems. Other awards will focus on wrongful convictions, intellectual property enforcement, innovative prosecution strategies and the safety and effectiveness of corrections systems.

The following awards were made to organizations in the Western District of Louisiana:

BJA Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program – Local Awards

• City of Shreveport - $127,686
• City of Bossier City – $39,115
• City of Lake Charles - $44,309
• City of Opelousas - $17,834
• City of Natchitoches - $15,632
• Ouachita Parish - $127,351
• Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office - $72,222
• Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office - $82,155
• Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office - $36,553
• St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office - $13,477

OVC Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program

• Lafayette City Parish Consolidated Government - $448,500

BJA Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program – State Awards

• Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement - $3,169,999

Information about the programs and awards announced December 4, 2019, is available here: Public Safety Fact Sheet. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage.

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

The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. – David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, announced that Glen Arrington, 27, of Jonesville, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 2, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 70 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Arrington pleaded guilty to this charge on August 21, 2019.

On March 6, 2019, an investigator with the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a suspicious priority mail express package that contained approximately one pound of pure methamphetamine. A delivery of the package was successfully executed at the residence of Glen Arrington, where Arrington signed for and brought the package into his home. Immediately following the delivery of the package, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and recovered the methamphetamine. Arrington admitted that the methamphetamine found in the package belonged to him and stated that he knew the package contained methamphetamine prior to receiving it. He intended to sell the methamphetamine for money. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper prosecuted the case.

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Seven-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Nacorvrick S. Green, 40, of Lafayette, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 2, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

On June 13, 2018, Lafayette Police Department officers conducted a stop on Green’s vehicle for a traffic violation and found a Ruger .380 semi-automatic pistol and six rounds of ammunition. Green has seven prior felony convictions in the 15th Judicial District Court, Lafayette Parish, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2001 and 2008), three counts of distribution of cocaine (2001), attempted possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance - Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabional (2008), and possession of marijuana, second offense (2013).

At sentencing Nacorvrick Green faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Drell set the sentencing date for March 19, 2020.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lafayette Police Department and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Vermaelen and Jamilla A. Bynog are prosecuting the case.

Two Bunkie Men Sentenced for Trafficking Heroin; One Defendant Receives Additional Prison Time for Firearms Violation

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Joel Shaun Michael Gaines, 32, of Bunkie, Louisiana, was sentenced December 2, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 12 years, 7 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Gaines pleaded guilty on August 8, 2019.

In January of 2018, various law enforcement agencies participated in an investigation into heroin distribution in Central Louisiana, which identified Gaines as a source of heroin who distributed the drug to members of his drug trafficking organization. Gaines distributed heroin to multiple people in Central Louisiana from various locations utilizing stash houses and members of his organization to distribute heroin on his behalf. In May and July of 2018, law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases from Gaines and later intercepted communications that showed Gaines was distributing heroin and directing Roosevelt Dewayne Larcarte, 19, also of Bunkie, to distribute heroin for him. For each transaction, Larcarte received instructions from Gaines as to how much heroin a customer wanted to purchase. Based on information obtained through the intercepted communications, agents executed court-authorized search warrants at three locations and found multiple firearms, ammunition, heroin, a digital scale, and $6,123 in U.S. currency. Both Gaines and Larcarte are responsible for approximately 40 grams of heroin.

On September 17, 2018, law enforcement stopped Gaines’ vehicle for a traffic violation and discovered he was in possession of a Ruger .380 pistol with a magazine containing five bullets. Gaines was previously convicted in February of 2012 for possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance.

Roosevelt Larcarte pleaded guilty on August 22, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin. He was sentenced on November 22, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to two years in prison and three years of supervised release following his prison confinement.

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms During the Filming of a Rap Video

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Xavier Briggs, 27, of Shreveport, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 3, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to 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 rap 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.

At sentencing Xavier Briggs faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Walter set the sentencing date for March 24, 2020.

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.

Monroe Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Stanley Charleston, 55, of Monroe, was sentenced December 3, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Charleston pleaded guilty to this charge on September 4, 2019.

According to court documents, on August 17, 2017, officers of the Monroe Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant at Charleston’s home and found a Ruger, Model SR9, 9 mm pistol. The pistol was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition. Charleston is a convicted felon who pleaded guilty on December 8, 2005 to unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper is prosecuted the case.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

These 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.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Robert C. Poimboeuf, a Shreveport business owner, pleaded guilty today in federal court, to filing false tax returns, announced David C. Joseph, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

According to documents and information provided to the court, Robert C. Poimboeuf, 57, along with his wife, owned and operated D&G Holdings, LLC, (D&G) a local medical business operating as Doctors Lab, that provided laboratory and phlebotomy services. From 2011 through 2015, Poimboeuf filed false tax returns that underreported gross receipts earned from D&G. In particular, Poimboeuf provided false and misleading information to his tax return preparers – hiding income, failing to disclose bank accounts and falsely characterizing business receipts as non-taxable loans.

D&G maintained an operating account and two accounts that received revenue – one for electronic payments and the other for physical deposits of checks. For 2011 through 2014, Poimboeuf concealed the nature of deposits into D&G’s operating bank account by falsely reporting to his accountant that the deposits were transfers from a billing service. Although D&G used a billing service, these deposits were not transfers from the billing service, but from D&G’s revenue accounts that Poimboeuf did not disclose to his accountant.

The Poimboeufs hired a different accountant to prepare their 2015 tax return and provided information for the electronic deposit account in addition to the operating account, but continued to withhold information about the physical deposits account. When the accountant asked for additional information concerning a loan, Poimboeuf provided a document to support the deposit for the loan, when in fact it was actually a transfer from the undisclosed physical deposits account. In addition, Poimboeuf did not provide numerous Forms 1099 reflecting earnings for D&G.    

Poimboeuf underreported earnings for D&G in order to understate taxes due for 2011 through 2015. As a result of Poimboeuf’s conduct, the filing of false federal income tax returns for the years 2011 through 2015 caused a tax loss of more than $1.9 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“Mr. Poimboeuf cheated on his taxes in order to lower his tax bill.  In doing so, he committed a crime and failed in a duty we all owe as American citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “He now awaits sentencing for this crime.”

Sentencing is set for April 21, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mr. Poimboeuf faces a statutory maximum sentence of six years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. Mr. Poimboeuf has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,904,477.

Special agents with the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, are prosecuting the case.

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A Shreveport, Louisiana, business owner pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana.

According to documents and information provided to the court, Robert C. Poimboeuf, 57, was a part owner of D&G Holdings, LLC, a medical laboratory in the Shreveport area.  From 2011 through 2015, Poimboeuf filed false tax returns that underreported gross receipts earned from his business. In particular, Poimboeuf provided false information to his tax return preparers and concealed income from them by failing to disclose several bank accounts and falsely characterizing business receipts as non-taxable loans. Poimboeuf’s conduct caused a tax loss of more than $1.9 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

U.S. District Judge Maurice Hicks, Jr., scheduled sentencing for April 21, 2020. Mr. Poimboeuf faces a statutory maximum sentence of six years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties.  Mr. Poimboeuf has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,904,477. 

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Joseph thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Gregory Graffeo Jr., 25, of Lafayette, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays, to 63 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. Hall pleaded guilty on August 13, 2019.

According to court documents, this case originated on August 31, 2018, as a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI), reporting that a Tumblr user had uploaded images of child pornography. A search warrant on Graffeo’s Tumblr account revealed approximately 50 images of child pornography. On November 7, 2018, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and LBI executed a search warrant at Graffeo’s residence and found additional child pornography images on devices belonging to him.  Graffeo admitted to possessing more than 100 images of child pornography on these devices and admitted that the Tumblr account belonged exclusively to him. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy 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 better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, as well as 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.”

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.

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SHREVEPORT, LAKE CHARLES, MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted, that were brought pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Lake Charles Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Stolen Firearm

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jeremy Rankins, 28, of Lake Charles, was sentenced November 19, 2019, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to 80 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a stolen firearm. Rankins pleaded guilty on August 15, 2019.

According to court documents, on May 19, 2018, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of an attempted armed robbery with a firearm and an attempted carjacking at a Lake Charles casino.  Upon arrival, officers came in contact with Rankins, who had already been detained by the casino’s security officers.  Deputies also spoke with the 61-year-old victim, who stated that she was in her car at around 4 a.m. when Rankins sat in the passenger seat brandishing a firearm and demanding money.  She denied having any money, at which point he demanded the keys to her car.  The hotel security later detained Rankins, and while he was being questioned, a witness discovered the loaded 9 mm Ruger handgun he used on the ground under a truck tire.  The investigation revealed that the handgun was stolen on May 17, 2018, from a vehicle parked in the casino’s parking garage.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, with assistance from the casino security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.

Lake Charles Man Sent to Prison for Lying on Federal Firearms Form

Defendant lied about his criminal background when he tried to purchase a firearm at a Pawn Shop

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Darrien Lamont Rogers, 24, of Lake Charles, was sentenced on November 19, 2019, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to six months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for lying on a firearm application at a Lake Charles pawn shop. Rogers pleaded guilty on August 15, 2019. 

On March 4, 2019, Rogers attempted to purchase a Taurus, Model PT 111, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol at a pawn shop in Lake Charles. He lied on an ATF Form 4473 by indicating that he had no felony convictions. Rogers pleaded guilty to one count of simple burglary on September 27, 2018, in the 14th Judicial District Court in Calcasieu Parish. Because of this felony conviction, Rogers is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen is prosecuted the case.

Shreveport Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Christopher John Williams, 30, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on November 19, 2019, to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

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 the guilty plea, 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).   

Christopher Williams will be sentenced by Judge Walter on March 24, 2020, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. 

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 is prosecuting the case.

Multiple-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Seven Firearms That He Stole From Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Brandon Keith Harris, 32, of Bastrop, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty on November 20, 2019, to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

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 had previously been convicted of multiple felonies 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.

Harris returns to court on March 4, 2020, where he will be sentenced by Judge Doughty, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. 

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 Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition. 

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ALEXANDRIA, La. - A former Pollock inmate was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison for attacking a Pollock staff member, said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.

Brandon L. Jones, 38, who is in federal custody, pleaded guilty on August 20, 2019, to one count of assaulting a federal officer. In his plea, he admitted he attacked a staff member in the kitchen area at U.S. Penitentiary Pollock, slammed her to the table and threw her to the floor. Correctional officers responded to the scene and took Jones into custody. The staff member suffered multiple injuries, and underwent surgery to repair a ruptured ligament in her thumb. Jones is currently serving a 188-month federal prison sentence for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The FBI and U.S. Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Brandon Hall, 23, a former Fort Polk Soldier from Yakima, Washington, was sentenced on November 19, 2019, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to 15 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography. Hall pleaded guilty on April 18, 2019.

According to court documents, from November 30, 2017, to December 26, 2017, Hall had an online sexual relationship with a 14-year-old minor female living in Missouri. During their time communicating online via web camera, the defendant solicited and captured sexually explicit video of the minor.

The FBI and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command 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 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 better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, as well as 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.”

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.

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MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Donnie Laing Jr., 39, of Youngsville, Louisiana, has been charged by federal indictment with nine counts of wire fraud stemming from his involvement in a million dollar Ponzi scheme which was orchestrated through his limited liability company, Capital Energy Investments (“Capital”).

According to the indictment, Laing was the sole owner of Capital, which was formed in February 2017. From April 16, 2018 through November 1, 2018, Laing orchestrated a Ponzi scheme whereby he and a well-known associate in northeast Louisiana, solicited money from multiple investors by falsely promising them high rates of return when they invested with his company, Capital. Laing represented that Capital would use the money to invest in oil and gas equipment, and then lease such equipment to companies engaged in oil and gas exploration activities. Throughout the scheme, Laing submitted false proposals and contracts to the Ponzi investors to persuade them to invest their money with Capital. He also used funds from new investors to make “lulling” payments to his victims to solicit additional monies and to avoid detection. Contrary to his representations, Laing used investor funds for his own purposes.

Laing faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of the indictment, restitution to the victims, and a fine up to $250,000 fine.

The FBI is investigating the case. United States Attorney David C. Joseph 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. 

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – A former Lake Charles Police Department officer was sentenced today in federal court for using unreasonable excessive force during an arrest, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI’s New Orleans Field Office Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran.

Robert Hammac, 44, of Lucedale, Mississippi, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. to 18 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release. Hammac pleaded guilty on August 15, 2019 to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

According to court documents, Hammac was involved in a vehicle pursuit on May 8, 2017, for several miles. The car was brought to a stop, and the victim, identified in court documents as G.T., raised his hands in the air in a manner indicating surrender. Other officers then ordered G.T. out of the car and began pulling him out of the car. Hammac ran to the front passenger side door, opened it, grabbed G.T. before he could exit, pulled him back into the car, and repeatedly punched G.T.’s head with a closed fist. The victim was not resisting in any way or posing a threat.

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and we at the Department of Justice have their backs,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.  “However, those officers who betray the badge and the public’s trust, as the defendant did here, dishonor their profession and endanger the safety of their fellow officers.  We will not tolerate police brutality in the Western District of Louisiana.”

“Officers who deprive individuals of their civil rights will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to upholding and defending the constitutional rights of victims, as shown by today’s sentencing.”

“The judge's decision today reinforces the FBI's commitment that civil rights and color of law violations will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Former Lake Charles Officer Robert Hammac abused his position of trust and the authority handed-down to him to protect the members of the public. Law enforcement officers and correctional officers acting under the color of law must ensure a person's civil rights are not violated. The FBI New Orleans Field Office, along the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to uphold the constitution and protect the rights of all persons within U.S. territories.”

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

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A former Lake Charles Police Department officer was sentenced today in federal court for using unreasonable excessive force during an arrest.

Robert Hammac, 44, of Lucedale, Mississippi, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. to 18 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release. Hammac pleaded guilty on Aug. 15, 2019 to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

“Officers who deprive individuals of their civil rights will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to upholding and defending the constitutional rights of victims, as shown by today’s sentencing.”

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and we at the Department of Justice have their backs,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph for the Western District of Louisiana. “However, those officers who betray the badge and the public’s trust, as the defendant did here, dishonor their profession and endanger the safety of their fellow officers. We will not tolerate police brutality in the Western District of Louisiana.”

“The judge's decision today reinforces the FBI's commitment that civil rights and color of law violations will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Former Lake Charles Officer Robert Hammac abused his position of trust and the authority handed-down to him to protect the members of the public. Law enforcement officers and correctional officers acting under the color of law must ensure a person's civil rights are not violated. The FBI New Orleans Field Office, along the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to uphold the constitution and protect the rights of all persons within U.S. territories.”

According to court documents, Hammac was involved in a vehicle pursuit on May 8, 2017, for several miles. The car was brought to a stop, and the victim, identified in court documents as G.T., raised his hands in the air in a manner indicating surrender. Other officers then ordered G.T. out of the car and began pulling him out of the car. Hammac ran to the front passenger side door, opened it, grabbed G.T. before he could exit, pulled him back into the car, and repeatedly punched G.T.’s head with a closed fist. The victim was not resisting in any way or posing a threat.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted, that were brought pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Federal Jury Convicts Monroe Man on Firearms and Drug Charges

MONROE – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a federal jury handed down a guilty verdict on November 14, 2019, against a Monroe man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

Jmarreon D. Mack, 38, of Monroe, was convicted after a two-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty.

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).

Mack will be sentenced by Judge Doughty on March 4, 2020, and faces five years to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine.

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 are prosecuting the case.

Shreveport Felon Sentenced for Firearms and Drug Offenses

SHREVEPORT – Demarcus Antonio June, 40, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today, by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to 10 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, to run consecutively. Judge Foote also sentenced Demarcus June to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.

According to court documents, Shreveport Police officers were patrolling a neighborhood in the Shreveport area when they encountered a female inside a vehicle parked in front of a residence. After learning from the female that she was concerned for the safety of someone inside, the officers made contact with Demarcus June, the owner of the residence. June let them in and officers observed small baggies, a digital scale, and 22 bags of crack cocaine in plain view on the living room coffee table. A search of the bedroom uncovered a Taurus PT111 9mm semi-automatic pistol with 10 rounds, and in the laundry room they found a Glock .45 caliber pistol with a high capacity magazine attached with 39 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.

Demarcus June is a convicted felon and sex offender, having been convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, and countless arrests for possession with intent to distribute, attempted murder, and obstruction of justice.

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

Alexandria Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearms and Drug Offenses

ALEXANDRIA – Ronald Louis Hall Jr., 29, of Alexandria, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on November 14, 2019, to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone.

According to the guilty plea, 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.

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). 

Hall faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for the firearms offense, and up to 30 years in prison, six years of supervised release, and a $2 million fine for the drug charge. Judge Drell set the sentencing date for February 14, 2020.

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 is prosecuting the case.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.: Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.

Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.

“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”

U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph said: “Attorney General Barr’s launch of Project Guardian reinforces and affirms what we have been doing under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative here in the Western District of Louisiana. My office will double-down on our efforts to keep firearms away from and federally prosecute those who are prohibited from having them.”

“ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the law enforcement community,” said Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.” 

Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:

• Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.

• Enforcing the Background Check System. United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.

Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence;   individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.

• Improved Information Sharing. On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.

• Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials. Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety. 

Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.

• Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination. Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.

Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.  

For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at:  https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.

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MONROE, La. – A Monroe couple was sentenced to 69 years collectively in prison for robbing three financial institutions at gunpoint and for multiple firearms violations, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph. 

Lakendria Nicole Goings, 35, and David Ray Johnson, 37, were convicted on August 1, 2019, following a four-day trial, of all counts submitted to the jury – two counts of bank robbery, one count of credit union robbery, and three counts of using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition, Johnson was found guilty of two counts of convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over the trial and handed down Johnson’s sentence of 41 and a half years in prison on November 6, 2019, and sentenced Goings today to 28 years, three months in prison.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Goings and Johnson’s spree began when they robbed the Guaranty Bank branch in Epps, Louisiana on November 10, 2017. The defendants entered the bank wearing hoodies to obscure their faces, and waiving semi-automatic handguns in the direction of customers and employees.  Johnson stood at the entrance door acting as lookout and rear guard, while Goings directed the gun at the face of a bank teller, ordering the bank teller to fill a bag with money.  The robbers left Guaranty Bank with approximately $17,307. After the robbery, Epps Police Department officers and West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s detectives found a cloth work glove worn by Johnson during the robbery, several rolls of coins, and a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, in a vacant lot close to the bank.  DNA from the glove matched David Ray Johnson’s DNA, which was in a North Carolina DNA database as a result of Johnson’s 2012 felony conviction for financial card theft. 

The second and third robberies occurred on November 27, 2017 (Barksdale Federal Credit Union in Cotton Valley, Louisiana), and December 18, 2017 (Winnsboro State Bank in Gilbert, Louisiana).  On both occasions the defendants entered dressed in black, bulky hooded clothing with dark fabric covering their faces, waiving semi-automatic firearms at bank customers and employees and demanding money from the tellers. They left Barksdale FCU with $12,756, and Winnsboro State Bank with $28,447.

After the robbers left Winnsboro State Bank with a duffel bag full of money, Franklin Parish Sheriff’s deputies located the getaway car and began a high-speed chase with the defendants’ Toyota Sequoia, sometimes exceeding 100 mph.  During the chase, Johnson, who was driving, pointed a semi-automatic handgun out of the driver’s window and fired several times at the deputies. The vehicle later crashed in a residential area in Winnsboro, Louisiana, and the defendants surrendered to authorities. Johnson exited the vehicle with a .40 caliber pistol in his hand, loaded with a round in the chamber and four live rounds in the magazine, which dropped to the ground as he submitted to arrest. This .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol was of the same make, model and caliber handgun that investigators found in the vacant lot near the Guaranty Bank robbery in Epps.

In the Sequoia, deputies found a duffel bag with $28,477 in cash, black clothing, hooded jackets, black fabric consistent with the masks worn during the robberies, and paper coin wrappers bearing handwritten account numbers belonging to Barksdale FCU customers.  Officers also found a Double Star Brand, Model Star 15, .223-caliber semi-automatic AR-type rifle, which Johnson had just brandished in the Winnsboro State Bank robbery, loaded with a live round in the chamber and 27 rounds in a detachable magazine.

“Today’s sentence demonstrates our firm commitment to fight the menace of violent crime in the Western District of Louisiana,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph.  “The lawlessness of these defendants and the terror they caused will not be tolerated.” 

The FBI, ATF, Louisiana State Police, Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Epps Police Department, Cotton Valley Police Department, and Winnsboro Police Department investigated the case.   Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Mack Lancaster’s office, Fifth Judicial District of Louisiana. 

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

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MONROE, La. – A federal judge has sentenced a 37-year old Monroe resident to 42 years in prison following his convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP), announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph. Thomas J.M. Goodin, 37, was convicted on July 19, 2019, following a four-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty.   

Also sentenced were co-conspirators Meko R. Walker, 37, and Brittany S. Gix, 31, both of Monroe, who were convicted on July 19, 2019 following trial, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Doughty sentenced Meko Walker to 12 years in prison, and Brittany Gix to 10 years in prison. 

Judge Doughty handed down the sentences for Goodin and Walker on November 6, 2019, and sentenced Gix today.  

Testimony presented during the trial showed that Goodin traveled to California on October 4, 2017, and shipped approximately one pound of pure methamphetamine inside of a gift-wrapped present to Gix. Agents intercepted the package at a Fed Ex processing center in Monroe and conducted a controlled delivery of the package to Gix’s home. After Gix received the package, Walker arrived at the home to pick it up and left with the methamphetamine. At that point, the Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish arrested Walker and Gix.

In a second incident on November 30, 2017, a Louisiana State Trooper pulled over Goodin’s vehicle, bearing California license plates, in West Monroe on Interstate 20 traveling eastbound. After a K-9 alerted on the vehicle, the trooper searched it and found additional gift-wrapped presents containing two drink bottles filled with liquid determined to be 92.8 grams of pure PCP and a candle containing a plastic bag determined to be 343.1 grams of pure methamphetamine. During the traffic stop, Goodin attempted to conceal his identity by providing a driver’s license belonging to another individual.

Due to Goodin’s prior serious drug convictions of distribution of cocaine and possession of PCP with intent to distribute, the career offender provision of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines allowed the court to sentence Goodin to an enhanced sentence. Goodin has been a suspect in multiple homicide and armed robbery investigations. 

The DEA, Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and Monroe Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike O’Mara and Brandon B. Brown, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Anderson Thompson, of Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Office, Criminal Division, prosecuted the case.

# # #

SHREVEPORT, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted, that were brought pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Minden Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing 10 Firearms

SHREVEPORT - Alvia D. Martin, 62, of Minden, Louisiana, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 24 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies visited Martin’s home to investigate the whereabouts of an armed robbery suspect. His wife let them in, and while there, deputies observed a .22-caliber rifle in the corner of the living room. Deputies questioned Martin and he said there were more firearms in the bedroom. A search of the bedroom uncovered four revolvers, three pistols, an additional rifle, a shotgun and ammunition. In total, deputies found 10 firearms and approximately 1,500 rounds of ammunition. Martin is a felon who was convicted of two counts of possession of illegal drugs on July 11, 2014.

The ATF and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

Rayville Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Firearm Offenses

MONROE - Aaron Mitchell Adcock, 42, of Rayville, Louisiana, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to two years in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, to run consecutively. Judge Doughty also sentenced Adcock to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.

According to court documents, law enforcement agents received a complaint that Adcock was in possession of a large amount of drugs. Agents executed a search warrant at a house in Monroe on December 18, 2018, and found 139 pounds of marijuana, a pistol, three shotguns and 10 rifles. Most of the firearms were loaded and within close proximity to the marijuana. The drugs were recovered from various rooms within the residence and inside of more than 100 heat-sealed bags. They also recovered $701, a digital scale, documentation from a website that sells marijuana seeds, a suspected drug ledger, large amounts of 5.56-caliber ammunition, .223-caliber ammunition and a Louisiana driver’s license issued to Adcock. Agents also found a commercial lease agreement for property in Maine that identified Adcock as tenant, which stated that Adcock shall use the property for “subleasing to state licensed medical marijuana caregivers.”

The DEA and Monroe Metro Narcotics conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

Natchitoches Felon Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

ALEXANDRIA – Dustin James Aguillard, 29, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 47 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on August 12, 2018, Glenmora police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Aguillard. During the course of the traffic stop, Aguillard consented to a search of the vehicle and informed the officer that his sister’s firearm was underneath the passenger seat. The officer found a Taurus pistol and ammunition underneath the passenger seat. Aguillard is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of simple burglary in November 2016, and knew that as a convicted felon he was prohibited from possessing the Taurus pistol and ammunition.

The ATF and Glenmora Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

Alexandria Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Pistol and Firing it in Neighborhood

ALEXANDRIA - Kerrian Andre Elie, 30, of Alexandria, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 92 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, officers with the Alexandria Police Department responded to a shots-fired call from Elie’s uncle on March 25, 2018, who told police that Elie had shot at him and his girlfriend. After arriving at the scene, officers found two 9 mm shell casings on the street in front of the residence and a black 9 mm H&K pistol, Model P30SK, under the house by the carport door. After further investigation, officers learned that Elie had been involved in an argument with a family member.  The relative later returned and resumed the argument with Elie. During that time, Elie entered the home and returned with a firearm. As his family members were leaving, Elie threatened to shoot them and fired the gun into the air.

Elie is a felon who has multiple convictions for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances on February 2, 2011, and for simple burglary on October 14, 2011, and February 18, 2011.

The ATF and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

 # # #

 

 

MONROE, La. – A Delhi, Louisiana, farmer was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, for lying to more than seven financial institutions, insurance providers and government entities in an effort to obtain over $18 million illegally, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty also ordered Thomas A. Dickerson to pay $18,048,304.71 in restitution to the victims for the money he stole during the course of the scheme. Dickerson pled guilty on July 15, 2019.

According to court documents and information provided to the court, Dickerson was a Franklin Parish Louisiana farmer who, during the 2015 crop year, used at least 13 farming entities he was either a part of or was the sole owner of to certify farming acreage in Catahoula, Franklin, Tensas, Richland, Madison and Morehouse parishes in Louisiana, as well as Ashley, Chicot and Drew Counties in Arkansas. He applied for crop production and grain storage loans from AG Resource Management, farm operating loans from various FDIC insured banking entities, credit from seed and chemical dealers such as Greenpoint AG, LLC and Jimmy Sanders Seed, advances on contracts with Kennedy Rice Dryers, insurance policies and claims from Producers Agriculture Insurance Company and CGB Insurance Company, and several marketing assistance loans from the Commodity Credit Corporation.  Dickerson lied on many of these applications in order to obtain loans and other compensation by overstating or understating the amount of crops produced or claiming crops as collateral when he’d already sold the crops or didn’t possess them. 

“The sentence imposed today should serve as a warning to those who engage in fraudulent practices and schemes,” U.S. Attorney Joseph stated. “Mr. Dickerson’s conduct in this case caused significant financial loss to victims throughout northeast Louisiana. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case. U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.

# # #

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today the creation and launch of the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, which held its first meeting this morning. The task force, formulated and led by the United States Attorney’s Office and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, 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.

Members of the task force will work collectively to identify, investigate and prosecute criminals using a victim-centered approach, provide victims/survivors with assistance, offer training to law enforcement and service providers, and increase public awareness about human trafficking throughout northwest Louisiana.  The task force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell, and will meet monthly to share information, coordinate investigations, and discuss potential matters and active cases in preparation of prosecution.

The Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force consists of representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Louisiana State Police, Bossier/Webster Parish District Attorney’s Office, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Marshal’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, and Shreveport Police Department.

Additionally, the task force will work in collaboration with numerous non-governmental victim advocate organizations, such as Purchased: Not for Sale, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services, The Center for Children and Families, Department of Children & Family Services, FREE Coalition, Gingerbread House – Bossier, The Hub, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, and Volunteers for Youth Justice CASA Program. Task force meetings tailored for the non-governmental organizations will be hosted quarterly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

“Human trafficking is a crime that involves the systematic abuse of individual rights, freedom, and human dignity,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “This task force will coordinate multiple entities and agencies, and help our citizens effectively battle this evil in northwest Louisiana. I want to thank our partners in this effort who have committed their resources to protect victims, prevent human trafficking, and apprehend and prosecute traffickers who exploit their victims for financial gain.” 

“While we live in a good community, we know that this does go on. Most of these victims have no hope or means to get out of these situations,” said Louisiana Sheriff’s Association President, Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington. “Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of the federal, state and local efforts to combat human trafficking.”

“Investigating human trafficking is a national priority of the FBI and we continue to take a proactive approach to identify human traffickers involved with the exploitation of adults and children alike,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “Through this effort we are committed to providing victims the resources they need to improve their situation and continue to bring human traffickers to justice.”

To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org.  The toll free phone number, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Help is available in English and Spanish, or in more than 200 additional languages.  The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency.  Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support. The National Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking, and will facilitate sharing that information with the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force. Through information received by the National Hotline, law enforcement authorities can connect investigations that span jurisdictions across the country.

To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit: www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking visit: www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

For more information about the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, please contact AUSA Earl Campbell or Victim Coordinator Vicki Chance at 318-676-3600.

# # #

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst sentenced Gilvin P. Aucoin Jr., 53, of Ville Platte Louisiana, to two years of probation, during which time he must complete 120 hours of community service related to environmental conservation and complete a hunter’s education course for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by shooting a whooping crane. Also, as part of the sentence, Aucoin’s hunting and fishing privileges have been suspended for the period of his probation.

According to information presented in court, Aucoin shot at and killed a whooping crane, an endangered species, in Evangeline Parish on July 24, 2018. Aucoin saw the bird while working on a farm and shot at the bird multiple times using his rifle with an attached scope. He ultimately killed the whooping crane, leaving the bird where it fell.

“Whooping crane poaching is an offense that will be investigated thoroughly by my office and law enforcement agents,” stated U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Many state and federal resources have been dedicated to ensuring the survival and stability of the whooping crane population in Louisiana, which is an endangered species and a valuable part of our ecosystem. Those who kill or attempt to kill a whooping crane in the Western District of Louisiana will pay the consequences.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited Aucoin for the illegal shooting of the whooping crane on July 26, 2018.

The United States Fish & Wildlife Service and LDWF conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.

   # # #

SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Carlos A. Spann, 42, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced October 29, 2019, to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a fraudulent check-cashing scheme resulting in the theft of nearly $400,000.  Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. also ordered Spann to pay $399,723.04 in restitution to Tower Loan and Walmart Global Investigations.  In addition to his term of imprisonment, Judge Hicks sentenced Spann to five years of supervised release following his release.

At the conclusion of a four-day trial, Carlos A. Spann was found guilty by a federal jury on February 7, 2019, of one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud.  Evidence admitted at trial showed that Carlos A. Spann, Phelix K. Williams, 29, Anthony E. Johnson, 24, both of Shreveport, and others, conspired to cash counterfeit checks using fraudulent identities at banks and retail establishments throughout Louisiana.  Spann provided his co-conspirators with altered overlays for identification cards along with counterfeit checks drawn on Tower Loan’s bank account, and counterfeit checks drawn on a United States Postal Service bank account. Each of them were captured by surveillance video cameras using altered identification cards to cash the counterfeit checks. During the conspiracy, they negotiated more than 100 counterfeit checks. 

Spann has a two-decade long history of committing white collar fraud crimes, including nine prior convictions of offenses such as counterfeiting and credit card fraud.  At sentencing, additional evidence was presented of Spann’s attempts to obstruct justice by procuring affidavits containing false statements, tampering with lawfully issued subpoenas, and discussing trial testimony with prospective witnesses.      

“This offender made a career out of defrauding the people and businesses of Louisiana out of their hard-earned money,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.  “The 20-year sentence handed down in this case should send a clear message to others that might consider engaging in this type of criminal activity.  I want to thank the prosecutors from my office, the U.S. Secret Service, the Shreveport Police Department, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office for their hard work in uncovering this fraud and bringing this matter to justice.”

“This case exemplifies how important partnerships between Federal and local law enforcement successfully bring criminals like Spann, Williams and Johnson to justice,” said Tara McLeese, Resident Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service’s Baton Rouge Office. “Special thanks to the talented prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana whose tireless efforts have ensured the public is now protected from financial fraud perpetrated by these individuals.” 

Williams pleaded guilty on February 4, 2019, the morning his trial was scheduled to begin, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, 13 counts of bank fraud and two counts of wire fraud.  Judge Hicks sentenced Williams on June 10, 2019, to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised, and also ordered him to pay $399,723.04 in restitution.  Johnson pleaded guilty on January 17, 2019, to one count of conspiracy and two counts of bank fraud.  Johnson’s sentencing date of May 1, 2019 was upset and has yet to be rescheduled.

The U.S. Secret Service, Shreveport Police Department, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook prosecuted the case.

# # #

SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in announcing that on Saturday, October 26, 2019, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., DEA will hold its 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event is free of charge, no questions asked, and gives the public an opportunity to dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications at collection sites operated by local law enforcement agencies and community partners across the country and here in the Western District of Louisiana.

For the first time, DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium ion batteries.

Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and death caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. In an effort to support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially amongst America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses because of these drugs, and studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posed potential safety and health hazards.

“I am pleased to partner with DEA in supporting this event, and I encourage the public to do their part,” stated Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Please take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of these dangerous substances and keep them away from those who would abuse them or children who might accidentally take them.  Let’s all do our part to fight the nation’s opioid epidemic.”

“Prescription drugs often end up in the wrong hands, feeding an epidemic that kills more Americans than car accidents.  DEA’s Take Back initiative provides citizens an easy and safe way to dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medications. This year, we are taking it a step further by accepting vaping devices and cartridges as we work with our federal partners to combat this emerging public health threat to the nation’s youth,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

As a result of the past 17 National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, DEA, in conjunction with its state, local and tribal law enforcement partners, has removed nearly 12 million pounds (more than 5,900 tons) of medications from circulation. Last April alone, DEA collected nearly 940,000 pounds (or 469 tons) of prescription drugs, more than twice the weight of the Statute of Liberty – with 6,824 pounds coming from Louisiana.  

Collection sites throughout the Western District of Louisiana can be found at:  www.DEATakeBack.com where you can search by zip code and city or call 800-882-9539.  (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.) Some collection sites include the following:

Shreveport

• Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Safety Town, 8910 Jewella Ave.

Lafayette

• Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Complex, 1805 W. Willow St.

Alexandria

• Alexandria Police Department, 1000 Bolton Ave.

Lake Charles

• Lake Charles Police Department, Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr.
• Louisiana State Police, Troop D, 805 Main Street
• Westlake Police Department, 2405 Guillory Street

Monroe

• Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, 400 St. John St.
• Monroe Police Department, 700 Wood St.
• West Monroe Police Department, 2301 North 7th Street
• Louisiana State Police, Troop F, 1240 Louisiana 594

For more information about the harms of youth vaping, please visit:  https://www.justthinktwice.gov/facts/vaping-what-you-should-know. Parents and children are also encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting the following websites: www.dea.gov, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, and www.campusdrugprevention.gov.

# # #

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Edward Christopher Deyoung, 46, of Crestview, Florida, and Antonia Esperanza Hernandez, 39, of Amarillo, Texas, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to serve two years in prison each for conspiring to make, possess and pass counterfeit currency. They were also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

In March of 2019, Deyoung and Hernandez were arrested by Shreveport police following an investigation into a counterfeiting operation in the Shreveport/Bossier area. Prior to their arrest officers identified two individuals who were using counterfeit $100 bills to make purchases at a Shreveport gas station. The individuals told police that they obtained the counterfeit cash from a man and a woman staying at a hotel in Shreveport. On March 12, 2019, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the hotel room where Deyoung and Hernandez were staying, and found $4,000 in counterfeit bills, a fake identification with Deyoung’s picture, laptops, cellphones, paper cutters, a computer printer, and other items used to make counterfeit currency. Officers also recovered $600 from local merchants in connection with Deyoung’s and Hernandez’s counterfeiting operation. During their guilty plea hearing on July 2, 2019, the defendants admitted to manufacturing the counterfeit bills.

The U.S. Secret Service, Shreveport/Caddo Parish White Collar Crimes Task Force and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

# # #

SHREVEPORT/ALEXANDRIA/LAFAYETTE/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE - On October 21, 2019, the Department of Justice announced that it awarded more than $85.3 million to bolster school security—including funding to educate and train students and faculty—and support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident. 

“These federal resources will help to prevent school violence and give our students the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “By training faculty, students and first responders, and by improving school security measures, we can make schools and their communities safer.”

“There is no more important cause than protecting our children from harm,” stated Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “These grants will give Winn Parish School Board and Caddo Parish School Board the tools to develop better safety measures to help prevent violence in their schools.  I want to thank the Department of Justice for making these grants available to provide Louisiana schools with the resources to better identify threats, train crisis teams, and put reporting systems in place. School should always be a safe place for children to learn.”

Winn Parish School Board received $150,000 under Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) STOP School Violence Technology and Threat Assessment Solutions for Safer Schools Program.  Under BJA’s STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, Caddo Parish School Board received $250,000.  The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement received an additional $500,000.

President Trump signed the STOP School Violence Act into law in March 2018, authorizing grants that are designed to improve threat assessments, train students and faculty to provide tips and leads, and prepare law enforcement officers and emergency professionals to respond to school shootings and other violent incidents. The grant programs are managed by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, within the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services manage the programs and administer the grants, which include funds to:

• Develop school threat assessment teams and pursue technological solutions to improve reporting of suspicious activity in and around schools;
• Implement or improve school safety measures, including coordination with law enforcement, as well as the use of metal detectors, locks, lighting and other deterrent measures;
• Train law enforcement to help deter student violence against others and themselves;
• Improve notification to first responders through implementation of technology that expedites emergency notifications;
• Develop and operate anonymous reporting systems to encourage safe reporting of potential school threats;
• Train school officials to intervene when mentally ill individuals threaten school safety; and
• Provide training and technical assistance to schools and other awardees in helping implement these programs.

 
For more details about these individual award programs, as well as listings of individual 2019 awardees, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVJuV
 
About the Office of Justice Programs:   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 justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
 
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:   The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.

# # #

MONROE, La. – A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment on October 9, 2019, charging Brandon Keith Harris, 32, of Bastrop, Louisiana, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. This indictment stems from the joint federal and local investigation into the July 14, 2018, firearm theft from Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, Louisiana.

According to the indictment, Harris, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is accused of unlawfully possessing six pistols and a rifle on July 14, 2018. The indictment also alleges that the firearms were stolen from a licensed firearms dealer. Under federal law, it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition.

If convicted, Harris faces up to 10 years in prison and fines for each offense, and a period of supervised release following confinement.

The ATF, Bastrop Police Department, and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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

# # #

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Cory Shane Disotell, 48, of Port Barre, Louisiana, appeared before U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays today and pled guilty to transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

According to facts presented during today’s plea, 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.

At sentencing Disotell faces 10 years to life in prison, five years to life of supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender, a fine of up to $250,000, and forfeiture of a Braztech S41118 .410 caliber shotgun seized at the time of his arrest in Colorado.  Judge Summerhays set sentencing for January 10, 2020.

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 are 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 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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Shreveport, New Orleans, Lafayette, La. – Today, Patrick Hale Dejean, former Justice of the Peace for the Second Justice Court of Jefferson Parish, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to three years in federal prison for committing 13 counts of mail fraud and three counts of making false statements to a bank, announced United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, David C. Joseph. Judge Lemmon also ordered Dejean to serve a three-year term of supervised release following confinement and to pay $73,046.49 in restitution. On February 27, 2019, after a 7-day trial, Patrick Dejean was found guilty by a federal jury in New Orleans for using his position to illegally obtain wage garnishments and loans. 

During Dejean’s trial, the government proved that from May 2009 through August 2016, Dejean diverted money from a Second Justice Court bank account for his personal use and made false statements to a bank to improperly borrow money on behalf of the court, which he later spent on himself. 

At trial, jurors heard evidence that Dejean systematically abused the Second Justice Court’s garnishment procedures to defraud creditors and debtors with business before the court.  As a Justice of the Peace, Dejean judged small claims civil cases for creditors seeking payment from customers who were behind in their payments.  If a judgment was obtained by the creditor, Dejean issued garnishment judgments instructing employers of the debtors to send wage garnishments directly to the Second Justice Court.

Evidence showed that Dejean improperly used this process to enrich himself by failing to forward the proper amounts of the wage garnishments collected to the creditors and instead spent the money on himself, primarily to gamble at local casinos.  In order to facilitate his scheme, Dejean would continue to garnish the wages on unsuspecting debtors after they had already paid the amount owed under the judgment.  

The jury also found that Dejean lied on bank applications in 2012 and 2013 to influence First Bank and Trust to lend over $50,000 to the Second Justice Court. Dejean applied for bank loans on behalf of the court despite knowing that the court was prohibited by Louisiana law from borrowing money.  Rather than using the loan proceeds for expenses related to the court, Dejean gambled with the money and otherwise used it for personal expenses. 

“The sentence today holds the defendant responsible for the crimes he committed as a Louisiana elected official,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph.  “In this case, Justice of the Peace Dejean targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our society and stole their hard earned wages, defrauded banks, and abused the trust placed in him by the public. This prison sentence should serve as a warning to other Louisiana public officials who may intend to use elected office to line their own pockets.  Public corruption will not be tolerated in Louisiana.”

“The sentence handed down today should send a message to all public officials who engage in illegal and corrupt practices that they will be held accountable for their conduct,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Division Bryan A. Vorndran. “Patrick Dejean misused his office and a position of trust for his own personal benefit. The FBI New Orleans Field Office stands with our federal, state, and local partners and prosecutors to declare our commitment to vigorously investigate and prosecute corruption at all levels.”

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana because the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana was recused from the case.

The FBI, Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Metropolitan Crime Commission, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson Parish Inspector General’s Office conducted the investigation.  U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.   

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.: Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 

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

Throughout the past two years, the department’s United States Attorneys have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s 2018 Uniform Crime Report released last week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers. The 2018 statistics show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.

“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.” 

“My number one priority remains aggressively prosecuting violent crime in the Western District  of Louisiana through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph.  “PSN is a proven strategy that works when federal, state and local law enforcement partners come together to identify and prioritize prosecution of the most violent criminals in our neighborhoods — holding them accountable for their crimes and preventing future criminal conduct.  We will not allow a culture of violence to deprive honest, hardworking Louisianans of the freedoms and opportunities we cherish as Americans. I want to thank the prosecutors from my office and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication over the past year to make our communities safer.”

Throughout the past year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana has continued to make good on its promise to prioritize reducing violent crime through the implementation of PSN throughout the district.  Monthly meetings are being held with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and violent crime task forces from the five metropolitan cities within the district, consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers as well as state prosecutors.  Directly as a result of this collaboration, teamwork, and shared intelligence and resources, approximately three times the number of firearm and violent crime offenses were charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as compared to prior years.

Enforcement Actions

Some of the more notable cases charged in the Western District of Louisiana under this initiative are as follows:

• On August 27, 2019, DeMarcus D. Morris, ring leader of the “Block Boyz” gang, was sentenced to over 33 years in prison and each of the other members were sentenced to substantial prison time.  The “Block Boyz” was a notorious street gang that long terrorized Shreveport neighborhoods using the west side of the Queensborough neighborhood as their base of operations. On October 3, 2018, following a two-week trial, five gang members were convicted of RICO and other offenses. The remaining defendants pleaded guilty. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/block-boyz-gang-leader-and-last-two-members-sentenced-serve-time-federal-prison

• On August 1, 2019, Lakendria Nicole Goings and David Ray Johnson were convicted by a federal jury in Monroe, Louisiana, for an armed bank robbery spree involving three financial institutions and multiple firearms violations.  https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/federal-jury-convicts-northeast-louisiana-couple-armed-bank-robbery-spree

• Just last week, Ivory Carl Myers was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the armed robbery of a shift manager at a Bossier City Burger King. Myles took the money after threatening to kill the manager and forced the victim at gunpoint to leave the Burger King with him.  On the way to Houston, Texas, he sexually assaulted his victim on two occasions. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/armed-robber-sentenced-30-years-federal-prison

• Demarcus Jontue Scales, a violent repeat offender in Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced last week to 44 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. The 44-month sentence will run consecutively with his 15-year state court sentence for murder. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/six-convicted-felons-receive-federal-prison-sentences-week-illegally-possessing

• On March 18, 2019, seven-time convicted felon, Anthony Joseph Meaux, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Meaux’s previous convictions include simple burglary, simple robbery, and drug-related offenses. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/seven-time-convicted-felon-sentenced-25-years-prison-possession-firearm

Improvements to Community Safety

The U.S. Attorney’s consistent engagement and collaboration with law enforcement and the commitment of substantial resources by our partners at the federal, state, and local levels have proven effective in reducing violent crime.  FBI data shows that violent crime rates dropped in the Western District of Louisiana even more than the national average of 3.9 percent.  Specifically, 2018 saw violent crime drop 38% in Monroe, 14% in Shreveport, 9% in Lake Charles, and 5% in Lafayette.  Violent crime in the major metropolitan cities in the Western District of Louisiana decreased from 4,997 events in 2017 to 4,206 events in 2018.  This resulted in 791 fewer victims of violent crime in the Western District of Louisiana.

These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as 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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LAFAYETTE, ALEXANDRIA, MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted, that were brought pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Duson Man Sentenced

LAFAYETTE - Donavon Henry, 30, of Duson, Louisiana, was sentenced September 30 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.  Henry pleaded guilty on June 26, 2019.

On May 25, 2018, Henry was at a scene on Elm Street where Crowley police officers responded to a call.  Henry ran when the officers arrived.  Witnesses observed Henry discard a firearm under a house near the location where he was ultimately apprehended.  A Ruger, Model LCP .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol was recovered.  Henry admitted to ATF agents that he possessed the firearm and discarded it when he ran from the police. 

Donavon Henry’s prior felony convictions in state court include possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, aggravated second degree battery, and illegal carrying of a weapon. 

The ATF and Crowley Police Department conducted the investigation.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.

Two Lafayette Men Sentenced

LAFAYETTE – Alexander Kou Chou, 37, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced September 30 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 90 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Chou pleaded guilty on July 10, 2019. 

On October 18, 2018, Lafayette police officers pulled over a motorcycle that had been reported stolen and identified the man riding the motorcycle as Alexander Kou Chou.  During his arrest, Chou admitted to officers that he had a firearm in his waistband, which was identified as a loaded Sig Sauer, Model P220, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  After the firearm was discovered, an officer found an array of drugs and an electronic scale in Chou’s jacket.  The drugs consisted of approximately 28 grams of heroin, 8 grams of cocaine and 10 grams of methamphetamine.  Chou admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs in his possession.

Alexander Chou’s prior felony convictions in state court include possession of methamphetamine and simple burglary.

The ATF and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE – Bryce Chapman, 28, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced September 30 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.  Chapman pleaded guilty on July 10, 2019.

On November 18, 2018, Rayne Police officers responded to a report of two men unconscious in a car at a local gas station.  Chapman was identified as the driver and was arrested after officers found him in possession of a Rossi .38 special caliber revolver.  Bryce Chapman has a prior felony conviction in state court for vehicular homicide. 

The ATF and Rayne Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.

Carencro Man Sentenced

LAFAYETTE, La. – Kaylon Rideaux, 24, of Carencro, Louisiana, was sentenced October 1 by Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 70 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.  Rideaux pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019.

On October 24, 2017, Carencro police officers arrived at a residence in Carencro to execute an arrest warrant on Rideaux unrelated to this event.  Rideaux informed the officers that he had a firearm in his possession.  An RG Model 23, .22 caliber revolver and four rounds of ammunition was recovered.  Kaylon Rideaux has a prior felony conviction in state court for simple robbery and was aware at the time of his arrest that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.  

The ATF and Carencro Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.

Alexandria Man Sentenced

ALEXANDRIA – Demarcus Jontue Scales, 34, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced October 1 by Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 44 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm, which will run consecutively with his 15-year sentence imposed by the state for murder.  Judge Drell also ordered Scales to three years of supervised release following his federal prison confinement.  Scales pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019. 

On January 30, 2018, an Alexandria police officer was on patrol looking for two suspects related to an armed robbery that had occurred earlier that day.  Officers noticed a male walking approximately one block from the location of the robbery who matched the description of one of the robbery suspects.  The male, later identified as Demarcus Scales, began to run when he saw the marked police car and crawled under a vehicle.  The officer pursued Scales and observed him throw an object toward the front of the vehicle.  A Smith and Wesson revolver, Victory model, .38 caliber special, which was loaded with five rounds of ammunition, was retrieved from the ground.  Scales admitted that the firearm belonged to him and that he ran because he knew he had outstanding warrants.  He also admitted that he knew as a convicted felon he was not supposed to have the firearm. 

Scales has a long rap sheet that includes felony convictions for possession of marijuana, attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, attempted illegal use of a firearm, possession of synthetic marijuana, firearm possession by felon, and manslaughter.  Scales has been arrested multiple times for weapons possession, and has demonstrated his willingness to use them. 

The ATF and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.

Monroe Man Sentenced

MONROE – Derrick Antonio Hall, 37, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced October 2 by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to nine years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of firearm by a convicted felon.  Hall pleaded guilty on June 18, 2019. 

On July 20, 2018, Hall drove to a gas station in Monroe and left the car idling with loud music playing as he entered the gas station.  Monroe police arrived shortly thereafter and observed the unattended vehicle.  When the officers approached Hall upon his return to the vehicle, they smelled marijuana coming from inside the car and saw a bag of suspected marijuana.  During a search of the vehicle, an officer found a Glock, Model: G26, 9 mm-caliber pistol with an extended magazine containing 24 rounds of ammunition.

Derrick Hall has prior felony convictions in state court for carrying a firearm on school property (2001), and for distribution of cocaine (2004).

The ATF and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten is prosecuting the case.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

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MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Ronald W. Reeves, 68, of Delhi, Louisiana, was sentenced October 2 by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to serve 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for mail fraud involving his role in a scheme to steal nearly $400,000. Judge Doughty also ordered Reeves to pay $86,239.16 in restitution, representing losses to several victims, including the Internal Revenue Service.

According to the guilty plea, Reeves conspired with others from April 2014 to April 2017 to fraudulently divert mail from the intended recipients to himself in order to obtain checks, credit cards and identifying information of the victims.  Through this process, Reeves obtained multiple checks as well as 292 credit cards, debit cards and prepaid debit cards.  Additionally, Reeves maintained multiple bank accounts that he and others used to deposit money that belonged to the victims.  These funds included checks made payable to other people and fraudulently obtained tax refund deposit checks from the U.S. Treasury, totaling more than $247,888.  Reeves and others attempted to steal a total of $397,409 during the course of the scheme.

The IRS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – A man who robbed a Burger King shift manager at gunpoint was sentenced September 30, 2019, to spend 30 years in federal prison announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.  Ivory Carl Myles, 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., for interference with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.  Myles was also sentenced to five years of supervised release following confinement.  The defendant pleaded guilty on December 13, 2018.

On July 21, 2017, around 3:30 a.m., while Ivory Myles was working at a Bossier City, Louisiana, Burger King restaurant, he entered the safe where the shift manager was making a cash drop, turned off the lights and put a gun to her head.  He then told her to give him the money and threatened to kill her.  Myles fled the scene in a vehicle and forced the victim at gun point to leave the Burger King with him.  He made her drive while he sat in the back seat.  On the way to Houston, Texas, he had her stop the vehicle in a parking lot and he sexually assaulted her.  He then had her stop at a hotel where he sexually assaulted her again.  Myles eventually released the victim in Houston, and was later apprehended by police in Beaumont, Texas, following a high-speed chase.

During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a Walther .22-caliber handgun loaded with 11 hollow-point bullets and one bullet in the chamber. 

The FBI and ATF investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany E. Fields and Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

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

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Matthew Matthews, 26, of Shreveport, was sentenced September 24 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Matthews pleaded guilty on April 25, 2019.

On February 17, 2018, Shreveport police officers responded to a call of an armed individual who had pointed a handgun at an employee in a McDonald’s drive-through window.  Police later located a vehicle matching the description of the one in the drive-through and attempted to make contact when the vehicle sped away.  After the vehicle came to a stop, Matthews exited and was placed in a police unit while the officers questioned the passenger.  The passenger told police that Matthews pointed the gun at the employee and that the gun was in the center console of the vehicle.  The passenger also gave the police 6.4 grams of marijuana and 3.1 grams of crack cocaine, which she said Matthews told her to hide.  When the officers searched the vehicle, they found a Smith and Wesson, Model SW40VE, .40-caliber pistol and 15 rounds in the center console.

Matthews is a felon who was convicted in Caddo Parish on October 12, 2012, for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and on December 12, 2016, for illegal possession of stolen things.  Under federal law, those convicted of felonies are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.

The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.

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

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Brandon Lars Reed, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced September 24 by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 110 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Reed pleaded guilty on March 11, 2019.

On July 31, 2017, a Shreveport police officer responded to a complaint at a hotel on Monkhouse Drive that individuals were smoking marijuana.  When the officer entered the hotel room, he found Reed with other occupants.  During a search of the hotel room, a Glock, Model 27, .40-caliber pistol, located on one of the beds, and five Xanax bars, located in the bathroom, were found, all of which Reed admitted to possessing. 

Reed is a felon who was convicted in Caddo Parish on November 9, 2009, of possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, and on April 15, 2014, of possession of a Schedule III drug.  Under federal law, as a convicted felon, Reed is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.

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

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana announces that Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana and its related companies, and the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College have agreed to pay $531,241.74 in damages and/or civil penalties to resolve claims that they violated the False Claims Act and other laws while operating University Health Hospital in Shreveport.

“Providers who fail to submit accurate data affect beneficiaries who depend on Medicare funding for access to safe and effective healthcare services,” said Joseph.  “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating allegations of fraud concerning Medicare services and we will continue to pursue those whose actions undermine the integrity of the Medicare program and the data it relies upon.”

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.

Medicare coverage for implanting the defibrillators was part of a coverage expansion in 2005, which required that the procedure be studied and analyzed through data submitted to qualified registries.  This effort was part of a new Coverage with Evidence Development initiative, which expands access to important new treatments while facilitating the collection of evidence so that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can continue to monitor the effects of its coverage decisions.  The data collected was to be used to ensure the safety and quality of care provided to Medicare patients.     

This settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. 

The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, This investigated the matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot and Affirmative Civil Enforcement investigator Christopher Knighton prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Adaysha Tanner, 36, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced September 25 by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 10 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for financial aid fraud, in connection with a scheme where she filled out and submitted false student aid applications for more than $95,000.  Judge Hicks also ordered Tanner to pay $106,744 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Education.  Tanner pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019. 

Beginning in the spring semester of 2013 through the spring semester of 2015, Tanner filled out financial aid applications through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and through Federal Direct Loans for four students, representing that they would be attending Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), and listed her physical address and email address as the contact information.  In reality, Tanner would take over the individual’s BPCC student accounts, attend classes, and do minimal coursework in order to keep financial aid flowing.  In one instance in particular, Tanner enrolled a student in 18 classes over four semesters, of which she withdrew from seven.  In total, Tanner enrolled four students in classes, many of which were identical to classes that Tanner was taking at BPCC.  For the majority of these classes, they were eventually withdrawn or given a failing grade. 

On each occasion, after BPCC applied grants and loans to the costs of tuition and other fees, Bank Mobile sent a bank card to Tanner’s address with the remaining funds.  She took the cards and spent the money for her own personal expenses.  As a result of Tanner’s fraudulent scheme, the U.S. Department of Education disbursed a total of $106,744 in Federal Direct Stafford loans and Federal Pell grants to BPCC during the time of the fraud. 

The Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Mark Anthony Crawford, 27, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for felon in possession of a firearm.  Crawford previously pleaded guilty on August 29, 2019, for illegally possessing a pistol that was loaded with 31 bullets. 

According to information presented in court, Shreveport police learned through a Crime Stoppers tip that Crawford was at a residence on Algonquin Trail armed with several weapons.  After arriving at the residence, the officers found a Romarm/Cugir Mini Draco 7.62-caliber pistol under a bed loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition.  Crawford admitted to police officers that he had purchased the firearm off the streets, and knew that as a convicted felon, he was restricted from possessing a firearm.

Crawford pleaded guilty to aggravated flight from an officer on November 8, 2010.  Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. 

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case. 

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jakey P. Sepulvado, 26, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 130 months in prison for illegally possessing drugs and a firearm.

Sepulvado pleaded guilty on June 13, 2019, to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to information presented in court, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s deputies observed Sepulvado make a traffic violation on October 2, 2018, and attempted to stop his vehicle.  Instead of stopping, Sepulvado sped away, wrecked the car and fled on foot, but was later located and arrested.  When the deputies searched his clothing and vehicle, they found methamphetamine and a Taurus, Model 85, .38-caliber revolver and eight rounds of ammunition.

Sepulvado has a prior felony conviction for attempted simple robbery.  Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.

The DEA, ATF and DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leon H. Whitten and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Jeremy C. Melancon, 36, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 27 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  Melancon previously pleaded guilty on June 10, 2019. 

According to information presented in court, Lafayette police officers responded to a call on May 7, 2018, at Melancon’s home and neighbors informed them that Melancon had lost his temper and fired a gun into the ground.  Officers spoke to Melancon, who admitted to firing one shot into the ground.  Officers also spoke to Melancon’s wife, who said she owned certain firearms but secured them in a shed she owned on the property.  Officers found spent shell casings on the ground where Melancon admitted to firing the gun and determined that the guns belonging to Melancon’s wife did not match the shell casings.

The police officers left the scene, but on May 10, 2018, a neighbor who lives next door to Melancon, called police and reported that she had found a gun in her flowerbed.  An ATF forensic examination matched the Smith & Wesson, Model M&P Bodyguard, .380-caliber pistol that was found in the flowerbed with the shell casings found on the night of May 7, 2018.

Melancon is a convicted felon who pleaded guilty on October 27, 2005, to distribution of cocaine in the Louisiana 15th Judicial District Court.  He was sentenced to seven years of hard labor.  Under federal law, a felon is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case. 

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Andre L. Johnson, 36, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  

According to information presented in court at Johnson’s guilty plea hearing on June 10, 2019, Shreveport police were conducting surveillance on a residence on November 26, 2018, when they observed Johnson arrive in a vehicle.  As police approached Johnson, he fled on foot and discarded a pistol.  Officers recovered a loaded Walther, Model PPK, .380-caliber pistol, and Johnson was later located and arrested.  He admitted to police that he possessed the weapon.

Andre Johnson was previously convicted of attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs, second degree battery and simple burglary.  Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition. 

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case. 

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Paul Andrew Talley, 51, of Coushatta, Louisiana, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for accessing the internet with intent to view child pornography.  Talley is also required to register as a sex offender. 

According to documents presented at Talley’s guilty plea hearing on April 11, 2019, law enforcement agents identified Talley’s computer as accessing a “Dark Web” child porn site and being a regular user.  Forensic analysis on the computer equipment seized from Talley’s home on August 20, 2015, revealed more than 2,300 images of child pornography.  The images found on the computer matched the images from the “Dark Web” site.

The Dark Web, also called the DarkNet, is a collection of underground marketplaces where websites selling illegal content design their sites to hide identities of users and evade law enforcement detection. For more information, visit www.fbi.gov/news/stories/a-primer-on-darknet-marketplaces.

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

Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.

The FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

            SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Myrna Thomas Quarles, 59, of Cotton Valley, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby for taking more than $1 million from a federal feeding program meant to provide meals to economically disadvantaged children during the summer months when they are not in school.

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 (SFSP), 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 resulted in her theft of $1,103,148.92 from federal feeding program.  Additionally, Quarles used a Greater Horizons credit card for approximately $370,000 in personal spending.  Purchases included real estate, farm equipment, a restaurant, air travel, cruises and designer luxury items.

Quarles faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.  A sentencing date of January 16, 2020, was set.

The FBI, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, 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 are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Peter Stifner, 34, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to serve three years and four months in federal prison for using a merchandise price changing scheme to steal more than $180,000.  Foote also ordered Stifner to pay $180,117 in restitution and to forfeit thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise that law enforcement seized.  Stifner, who previously pleaded guilty on January 7, 2019, faces deportation back to Slovakia because of his legal status.

Stifner conducted a scheme to steal merchandise from Walmart, Sam’s Club and Target by obtaining barcode stickers of lower priced merchandise and placing them over the barcodes of higher priced merchandise in the stores.  He would then purchase the merchandise at the lower price and resell it online for a profit.  As a result of his fraudulent activity, the defendant stole more than $180,000 during the course of the scheme.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby B. Cooper and Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that the last defendant in a Calcasieu Parish cocaine distribution ring was sentenced last week. United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced Derrick Harrison, 41, of Houston Texas, on September 9, 2019, to 151 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.  Harrison previously pleaded guilty on September 24, 2018.

Harrison was one of six defendants named as part of an indictment filed December 14, 2017.  From January 2016 to August 2016, Harrison conspired with four co-defendants to distribute cocaine in the Calcasieu Parish area.  Harrison lived in the Houston area and supplied cocaine to Vanchiese Green, who served as a middleman for Eric Beloney, Anthony Celestine and Donnie Lewis for distribution of cocaine in Calcasieu Parish.

Beloney acquired 9 pounds of cocaine on July 26, 2018, using Green as a conduit to acquire the narcotics in Houston.  On his return to Lake Charles from Houston, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Beloney’s car and found 9 pounds of cocaine and 16 grams of cocaine base.  Following the traffic stop, officers executed a search warrant at Beloney’s residence and recovered additional controlled substances, approximately $3,432 in cash and a Hi-Point .40-caliber handgun that had been reported stolen.  Tramicke Taylor was a courier of cocaine and cash for the Vanchiese Green Drug Trafficking organization.  Altogether, the group was responsible for distributing from 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine.

All six defendants have now been convicted and sentenced for their part in the conspiracy:

Co-Defendant

Date of Guilty Plea

Sentencing

 

Vanchiese Green, 43, of Lake Charles

 

July 18, 2018

 

October 3, 2018 - 109 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

 

Eric Beloney, 43, of Lake Charles

August 16, 2018

November 13, 2018 - 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (cocaine).

 

Anthony Celestine, 44, of Lake Charles

September 24, 2018

January 9, 2019 - 212 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

 

Donnie Jermaine Lewis, 42, of Houston, Texas

September 24, 2018

January 9, 2019 - 212 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

 

Tramicke Taylor, 44, of Lake Charles

July 18, 2018

November 13, 2018 – five years of probation for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

 

The FBI and Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Team conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. McCoy and David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.

 

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jerry A. Morgan, 30, of Woodworth, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for making a false statement on a federal firearms transaction record, known as an ATF Form 4473.

According to the guilty plea, Morgan completed an ATF Form 4473 when he purchased 10 AR-15 style rifles from a licensed firearms seller in Lecompte, Louisiana, on November 29, 2017. On the form, Morgan said he was purchasing the firearms for himself, but in truth he was purchasing them for another individual, co-defendant Dagoberto Yanez, 26, of New Mexico. Yanez gave Morgan approximately $4,300 to cover the cost of the firearms purchase.

Yanez pleaded guilty on August 19, 2019, for conspiring to make false statements to a licensed firearm dealer. According to Yanez’s guilty plea, Yanez intended the guns to go to a drug-trafficking organization in Mexico.

Morgan faces five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Drell set Morgan’s sentencing for December 17, 2019. Yanez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2019.

The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.

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