Western District of Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Marcell Deangelo Lewis, 24, of Shreveport, was sentenced Thursday to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for being a felon in possession of firearms. He previously pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019.

A Shreveport Police officer conducted a traffic stop on Lewis’ vehicle on March 19, 2018, on Interstate 49 near Hollywood Street for a speeding violation. After making contact with Lewis, the officer immediately smelled marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle.  The officer found a Colt, Model: Trooper MKIII, .357-caliber revolver loaded with six rounds in the center console and a Glock, Model: 23, .40-caliber pistol loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition on the passenger floorboard.  Lewis claimed ownership of both firearms.

Lewis was convicted on December 12, 2018, in Caddo Parish District Court for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  Under federal law, a felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm 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.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Bastrop resident, Troydarius Jamal Jackson, 29, on September 4, 2019, to 10 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Jackson admitted during his guilty plea hearing on April 5, 2019, to possessing a rifle, despite having previous convictions in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

A Louisiana State Police trooper encountered Jackson and co-defendant Cortez Demoria McWilson, 29, also of Bastrop, in a vehicle on September 11, 2017, in Bastrop.  As the trooper approached the vehicle, in an attempt to speak to the defendants, McWilson started the vehicle and drove off, prompting a pursuit of the vehicle by the LSP trooper and other law enforcement officers.  Eventually, the vehicle stopped and McWilson and Jackson fled the area but were later apprehended.  A law enforcement officer searched the vehicle and found a GSG, Model 522, .22LR-caliber rifle and ammunition on the front passenger seat.  Also on the front passenger seat was a grocery bag containing methamphetamine, Xanax, marijuana, clear plastic baggies and a digital scale with marijuana residue on it.

Jackson was previously convicted for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in 2013, for perjury in 2012, and for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in 2015.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

McWilson previously pleaded guilty on April 5, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Methamphetamine, Xanax, and marijuana, and was sentenced on August 22, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to serve two years in federal prison. 

The ATF, Louisiana State Police and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan 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, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that George Earl White Jr., 35, of Alexandria, was sentenced on Tuesday to 360 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for his role in distributing illegal narcotics in Rapides Parish.

A federal jury found White guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine after a three-day trial that ended May 30, 2019.  Testimony presented during his trial showed that White conspired with Derrick Anthony Felton, 40, of Alexandria, Reginald Felton Jr., 27, of Colfax, Louisiana, and Darian Dewayne Napoleon, 35, of Colfax, Louisiana, to sell methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine in the central Louisiana area.  Law enforcement agents found that Derrick Felton would, under White’s direction, travel to California to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine, which was then shipped to Louisiana. Once the shipments arrived in central Louisiana, White would distribute the narcotics to other members of the conspiracy who would then sell the drugs to lower-level distributors or users.

During the course of the investigation, Louisiana State Police seized approximately 33 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of heroin, 1 kilogram of powdered cocaine and 4 pints of promethazine cough syrup.

White’s co-conspirators all pleaded guilty to the conspiracy.  Darian Napoleon pleaded guilty on February 25, 2019, and received 120 months. Reginald Felton pleaded guilty on February 26, 2019, and received 220 months. Derrick Felton pleaded guilty on March 8, 2019, and received 262 months.  Upon completion of their prison sentence, the defendants will also face five years of supervised release. 

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a federal jury handed down a guilty verdict against a Texas man Tuesday for possessing an AR-15 rifle in his car after having been previously convicted of multiple felonies. 

Deandray Charles Grant, 29, of Carrollton, Texas, was convicted after a one-day jury trial presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr.

Testimony presented during the trial showed that a Greenwood, Louisiana, police officer pulled over Grant’s vehicle on November 23, 2018, for traveling 90 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour speed zone.  After the vehicle stopped, the officer approached Grant and asked for his identification.  Grant told the officer that he was a “sovereign citizen” with “sovereign status” and did not have to comply with his request.  Eventually, Grant exited the vehicle and was arrested.  The officers discovered that he did not have any identification and had a small amount of marijuana in his front pocket.  After searching the vehicle they found a DPMS Panther Arms AR-15 rifle and 28 rounds of .556-caliber ammunition.

Grant is a convicted felon who was found guilty on August 8, 2013, of possession with intent to distribute drugs, on April 4, 2014, of simple burglary, and on May 1, 2014, of possession of marijuana, all in Caddo Parish.  Under federal law, a convicted felon is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.

“Everybody must obey the law, even sovereign citizens,” Joseph stated.  “Felons that carry firearms in this district pose a danger to our communities and will be federally prosecuted.  I want to thank the officers who handled this situation professionally and the other law enforcement agents that investigated this case.  I also want to thank the prosecutors from my office for their hard work obtaining a successful verdict.”

Grant faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  The court set sentencing for January 6, 2020.

The ATF, Greenwood Police Department and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Jessica Cassidy 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, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Cynthia J. Feazell, 48, of Montgomery, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to authorizing fraudulent loans that caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars of loss to her credit union employer.

According to the guilty plea, Feazell worked as a loan officer and assistant manager at Valex Federal Credit Union in Rapides Parish from 1997 to 2016. The defendant decided to purchase a mobile home in 2015 and obtained loan funds from Valex. She did not qualify for the loan, so she transferred three vehicle loans taken out in her name to her mother’s name in order for her to qualify for the loan. Additionally, Feazell authorized loans for her ex-husband, even though she knew he did not meet the Valex credit requirements. Feazell falsified documents to accomplish the scheme and was aware her actions were fraudulent. The defendant’s fraudulent acts caused Valex a loss of $243,167.95.

Feazell faces 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, restitution and a $1 million fine.  The court set the sentencing date for December 17, 2019.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two Northwest Louisiana residents who owned and ran the Positive Change Counseling Agency LLC were indicted for improperly billing Medicaid for almost $8 million, in addition to paying kickbacks in violation of the law.

The owner and operator of Positive Change, Marty Johnson, 57, of Shreveport, and the company’s supervisor and business manager, Keesha Dinkins, 42, of Bossier City, Louisiana, were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, 47 counts of health care fraud and four counts of wire fraud.  Johnson also faces one count of paying a kickback.

According to the indictment, Positive Change billed Medicaid $7,992,347 for psychiatric therapy, transportation, and other related mental health services from January 2014 to December 2018 that were never provided.  In order to execute the scheme, Johnson and his employees recruited clients to receive mental health and related services.  Johnson then paid some of these clients kickbacks in exchange for enrolling in certain programs.  Johnson also obtained Medicaid identification numbers from potential clients and their family members and, without the potential clients’ authorization, billed Medicaid for services that were not rendered.

In billing Medicaid, Johnson and Dinkins: (i) created false documents showing that Positive Change provided services that were not rendered; (ii) falsely listed employees with graduate and advanced educational degrees as service providers in order to trigger a higher rate of payment from Medicaid; and (iii) used false, fabricated and exaggerated mental health diagnoses in order to obtain additional payments from Medicaid.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy, health care fraud and wire fraud.  Johnson also faces 10 years in prison for illegal kickbacks.  Both defendants also faces up to five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution. Arraignment is scheduled for September 10, 2019.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the FBI; and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell and Cadesby Cooper are prosecuting the case.

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

The Department of Justice today announced that defendant Christopher Loring, a former lieutenant at the Richwood Correctional Center, was sentenced to 46 months in prison in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to cover up the abuse of five inmates by corrections officers. Loring, 37, of Winnsboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiring with other officers to falsify documents with intent to obstruct and influence the investigation of a matter within federal jurisdiction. 

According to his guilty plea, Loring failed to intervene when four other officers sprayed a chemical agent directly in the faces and eyes of five inmates while the inmates were handcuffed, compliant, kneeling on the floor, and not posing a physical threat to anyone. Following that abuse, Loring and the other officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports. 

Loring was the last of the five officers to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty of the Western District of Louisiana. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph made the announcement.

“The final sentencing in this conspiracy represents the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who abuse their power,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to defend those who have had their civil rights violated.”

“I hope that the conclusion of this case demonstrates our commitment to ensure that Louisiana’s correctional officers follow the law and do not abuse the inmates under their supervision,” U.S. Attorney Joseph stated.  “I want to commend the investigators and prosecutors who worked on this case.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, prosecuted the case. The Monroe Division of the FBI investigated the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – The “Block Boyz” gang leader and final two defendants have been sentenced to federal prison, announced David C. Joseph, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.  DeMarcus D. Morris, 30, Jimmie R. Durden Jr., 30, and Gary J. McCain, 24, all of Shreveport, Louisiana, were sentenced this week in federal court for being part of a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, and for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

DeMarcus D. Morris, the ring leader of the “Block Boyz” gang, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to serve 405 months in federal prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (including crack cocaine, powder cocaine, Roxicodone and ecstasy), distribution of crack cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. 

On Thursday, Judge Foote sentenced the remaining two defendants, Jimmie R. Durden Jr., and Gary J. McCain, respectively, to 190 months in federal prison and 110 months in federal prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (including crack cocaine), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Morris, Durden and McCain were named in an 18-count indictment filed in June of 2017 charging nine defendants with various crimes including RICO conspiracy, distributions of controlled substances, convicted felons in possession of firearms, and conspiracies to commit violent crimes.  On October 3, 2018, following a two and a half-week trial, Marcus, Durden, and McCain were found guilty along with co-defendants, Lonnie D. Johnson and Larshandra C. Davenport.  Defendants, Frank J. Morris, Ravion M. Alford, and Rodrick R. Hicks previously pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy and have been sentenced.  Defendant, Golanda W. Atkins, was dismissed from the indictment on September 7, 2018.

“We hope that today a measure of peace is felt in the Queensborough neighborhood that this gang terrorized,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.  “These defendants will be behind bars for years and miles away from the people that they harmed.

“And to those terrorizing their neighborhoods with firearm violence, to those poisoning our community with illegal drugs; make no mistake, we are coming for you,” Joseph continued.  “If you don’t make a change in your life, your future – assuming that you aren’t killed by the drugs you sell or the firearms you carry – will be in federal prison.  This is not a threat, it’s a promise.

“I want to thank the local and federal law enforcement officers who put it all on the line to convict these criminals,” said Joseph. “I also want to thank the prosecutors from my office for their hard work making and trying this case.”

“Along with our partners, the FBI has dedicated significant time, manpower, and resources toward investigating the “Block Boyz” gang,” said the FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Riedlinger.  “Justice has been served to those who chose to traffic and distribute illicit narcotics and terrorize their communities with senseless firearm violence. We will continue to enforce the laws and intervene when drugs and violence lead to the death of our citizens.”

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

Co-Defendant

Date of Conviction

Sentencing/Charge

 

Demarcus D. Morris, 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana

 

October 3, 2018 (trial)

 

August 27 2019 – 405 months in prison and $108,130 restitution

 

Frank J. Morris, 26, of Shreveport, Louisiana

August 30, 2018 (guilty plea)

July 23, 2019 – 60 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.

 

Jimmie R. Durden Jr., 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana

October 3, 2018 (trial)

August 29, 2019 – 190 months in prison

 

Lonnie D. Johnson, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana

October 3, 2018 (trial)

July 25, 2019 – 240 months in prison for RICO conspiracy, and $108,103 restitution.

 

Gary J. McCain, 24, of Shreveport, Louisiana

October 3, 2018 (trial)

August 29, 2019 – 110 months in prison

 

Ravion M. Alford, 24, of Shreveport, Louisiana

December 21, 2017 (guilty plea)

July 23, 2019 – 180 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.

 

Rodrick R. Hicks, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana

January 29, 2018 (guilty plea)

September 29, 2019 – 42 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.

 

Larshandra C. Davenport, 46, of Shreveport, Louisiana

October 3, 2018 (trial)

July 30, 2019 – 71 months in prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (cocaine and Roxicodone), and distribution of powder cocaine.

 

The “Block Boyz” was a criminal enterprise that primarily used the west side of the Queensborough neighborhood as their base of operations.  For many years, the defendants took part in a criminal organization known as the “Block Boyz” and the “Get Money Boyz” or “GMB.” In the federal indictment, gang members were charged with at least 66 criminal acts that members of the organization committed to further the RICO conspiracy.  The acts included armed robberies, distribution of drugs, shootings and witness intimidation. The organization sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, Roxicodone, marijuana, Ecstasy and Alprazolam.

Gang members sold illegal drugs and committed armed robberies. They maintained and circulated a collection of firearms for use in their criminal activity and used cell phones to operate their criminal enterprise.  Members of the organization bragged about their illegal activity, such as their possession of firearms, and took pictures of themselves with firearms and money to intimidate others and increase their position in the community.  “Block Boyz” members were also the prime suspects in several homicides.

The FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Shreveport Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office the participated in the investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.

 

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Devin Dewayne Williams, 27, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to serve 46 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Williams pleaded guilty on April 11, 2019.

During a traffic stop on Williams’ vehicle on September 24, 2017, a West Monroe Police officer found a handgun magazine in Williams’ front pocket and a Beretta, Model 21A, .25-caliber pistol under the driver’s seat.  Williams is a felon who was convicted in Ouachita Parish on March 8, 2013, of simple kidnapping and on November 12, 2015, of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF and West Monroe 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.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Marvin Ray Loucious, 54, of Many, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 147 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote.  Loucious pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 19, 2019.

Law enforcement agents observed Loucious selling 5 grams of methamphetamine on July 20, 2018, and 6 grams on July 23, 2018, from his home.  Agents executed a search warrant at his home on August 10, 2018, and found 160 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic baggies and approximately 100 glass smoking pipes.  Agents also recovered 55 firearms, with the following five weapons being in close proximity to the methamphetamine: a Glock 32, .357-caliber SIG handgun, a Ruger P90, .45-caliber ACP handgun, a Taurus, TCP, .380-caliber handgun, a Davis Industries, Model DM-22, .22-caliber, two-shot derringer handgun, and a Century Arms, Catamount Fury, 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun.

The DEA and the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force (DeSoto, Sabine and Red River parishes) conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy and Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jarius T. Carson, 26, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for illegally possessing a loaded semi-automatic pistol.  Carson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon on May 20, 2019.

A Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputy encountered Carson on June 6, 2018, in the parking lot of a Scott, Louisiana, apartment complex.  When the deputy approached him, Carson fled.  While in pursuit, the deputy saw Carson run towards a vehicle and place an object in the vehicle’s wheel well.  When the deputy caught up with Carson, he acknowledged that the loaded Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol found in the wheel well of the car belonged to him.

Carson was previously convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm and illegal carrying of a firearm in state court on August 17, 2010.  Under federal law, a felon is not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.

The ATF and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker 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 Tyrone Larry Smith, 40, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced Thursday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to serve 50 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor female from Texas.  Smith pleaded guilty on March 7, 2019. 

Tyrone Smith began communicating with a 14-year-old female from Texas over an internet-based “dating service” in June of 2015.  Using internet communications, he convinced her to travel to Shreveport, making representations that he wanted to start a relationship with her.  She agreed and took a bus to Shreveport.  When she encountered Smith, he informed her that she would be engaging in prostitution, and implied that there would be consequences if she did not cooperate.  Smith posted advertisements on the website Backpage.com using photographs of the victim in various stages of undress, with descriptions of her services, to advertise the victim’s prostitution.  He listed his number on the page for customers to call, and he coached the victim on what prices to charge and how to question customers to ensure they were not undercover police officers.  If she resisted, Smith used force and physical violence to force her into prostitution.  At one point, the victim told Smith she wanted to return home.  In response, the defendant struck her in the face and told her that she would continue to engage in prostitution.  Smith kept all of the money from the acts of prostitution.

During an undercover online investigation, authorities made contact with the victim via the internet and phone claiming to be a customer soliciting sex. They later arrived at a local hotel and arrested Smith.

The FBI and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Yancy Todd Sonnier, 54, of Branch, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to serve 86 months in federal prison for drug and firearm charges.  Sonnier pleaded guilty on January 18, 2019, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. 

A Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop April 17, 2018, on Sonnier’s vehicle and found approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine that was subsequently tested at 90% purity, a loaded Taurus Millennium G2 .40-caliber semi-automatic firearm and 2.5 grams of fentanyl.  Sonnier is a convicted felon and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. 

The DEA, ATF, FBI and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that the last defendant in a Central Louisiana methamphetamine distribution ring was sentenced Tuesday to 90 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell.

Kevrick Kemar Davis was one of 10 defendants named in an indictment filed June 6, 2017.  The defendants conspired to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in Central Louisiana from September 2016 to June 2017. A source in the San Diego, California, area mailed more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine to a source in Louisiana who then distributed it to Davis, the co-defendants and others. The methamphetamine was given to Davis in 1 pound quantities of which he would then sell.

All 10 defendants have now been convicted and sentenced for their part in the conspiracy:

Co-Defendant

Date of Guilty Plea

Sentencing

 Ernest Johnson Jr., 40, of Jena, Louisiana

June 7, 2018

 December 13, 2018 - 70 months in prison; five years of supervised release.

 

Travis Demond Augustine, 30, of Alexandria, Louisiana

July 25, 2018

January 31, 2019 - 108 months in prison; five years of supervised release.

 

Terry Dion Augustine, 33, of Alexandria, Louisiana

April 12, 2018

January 31, 2019 - 150 months in prison; one year of supervised release.

 

Allan Jamal Shuler, 38, of Alexandria, Louisiana

 

November 5, 2018

February 8, 2019 - 188 months in prison; five years of supervised release.

Jamaal Demon Howard, 31, of Alexandria, Louisiana

November 6, 2018

February 8, 2018 – 120 months in prison; five years of supervised release.

 

Danny Demetric Payne, 39, of Alexandria, Louisiana

November 13, 2018

February 8, 2019 - 262 months in prison; 10 years of supervised release.

 

Eddie Kendricks Jackson, 39, of Alexandria, Louisiana

November 21, 2018

January 9, 2019 - 300 months in prison; 10 years of supervised release.

 

Raymond Travon Knox, 40, of Alexandria, Louisiana

November 21, 2018

January 9, 2019 - 200 months in prison; five years of supervised release.

 

Dewaine Raye Haynes, 44, of Alexandria, Louisiana

November 21, 2018

February 23, 2019 – 200 months in prison; five years of supervised release.

 

Kevrick Kemar Davis, 33, of Alexandria, Louisiana

November 16, 2018

August 20, 2019 – 90 months in prison; five years of supervised release.

All of the defendants pleaded guilty for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Additionally, Terry Augustine pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.

The FBI’s Central Louisiana Safe Streets Gang Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison D. Bushnell and Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

 

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Trevor Lee Engle, 22, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau for possessing approximately 300 images of child pornography on a cellular phone. 

According to court documents filed during the guilty plea hearing, law enforcement agents detected downloads of digital images of child pornography from a phone at Engle’s home.  Agents obtained a search warrant to search the phone on November 7, 2018, and found approximately 300 images of child pornography, which included a video of child pornography stored on the phone’s Tumblr application.  At least one of the images depicted a prepubescent minor who had not reached the age of 12.  During questioning, Engle admitted to viewing the images online and downloading them to his phone.

Trevor Engle faces up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, registration as a sex offender and a $250,000 fine.  Juneau set the sentencing date for December 2, 2019. 

Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Unit conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Myra Griffin Fontenot, 43, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday to 14 months in prison and one year of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for filing a false tax returning and failing to pay more than $200,000 in taxes. Fontenot was also ordered to pay $213,958.96 restitution in addition to $28,624.36 in interest. She previously pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019.

   Fontenot was the owner of the Nukura’s Step-by-Step Learning Center (NLC), which is a daycare center, and X-press Tax Service LLC. Fontenot failed to file unemployment tax returns at NLC, failed to report the majority of her income, and claimed a great amount of expenses on personal tax returns for tax years 2012 to 2014.  In sum, she failed to pay $213,958.96 during the course of the scheme.

“The defendant in this case cheated on her taxes and, in doing so, failed to meet her obligations as an American,” Joseph stated. “She is now facing the consequences.”

“Fontenot’s attempt to evade her taxes by hiding income, concealing assets, and filing false returns was a theft from all American taxpayers,” said Thomas J. Holloman III, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office. “It is a felony offense that carries severe consequences. The overarching principle of IRS’ enforcement strategy is simply this: We protect the integrity of the tax system by ensuring everyone pays the correct amount of tax.”

The IRS-Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a  former corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday to 24 months in prison and two years of supervised release for accepting bribes to smuggle contraband to prisoners.

Byron A. Wyatt, 39, of Marksville, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. He was previously found guilty of the offense on April 5, 2018, after a three-day trial.

Wyatt worked as a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock where he accepted thousands of dollars in bribes from a prisoner in 2014, in exchange for smuggling contraband into the prison. Wyatt smuggled items into the prison such as tobacco, cell phones, pills and marijuana. The defendant would make contact with the inmate to set up the transfer.  Individuals outside of the prison would then pay the defendant and supply him with the contraband items to deliver.         

The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Robert E. Robinson, 45, of Monroe, was sentenced Monday to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He previously pleaded guilty to the federal charges on February 20, 2019. 

Law enforcement agents with the Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit obtained a search warrant on October 4, 2017, for Robinson’s residence following two undercover buys of marijuana from him.  The search yielded more than 7 kilograms of marijuana as well as marijuana butter, marijuana cookies, digital scales and a marijuana grinder.  Officers also found three loaded firearms, to include a Rock Island Armory revolver, loaded with six rounds of ammunition, an Anderson pistol, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and a Smith & Wesson pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition.  More than 500 rounds of various caliber ammunition were recovered from the residence. 

The ATF and the Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan 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.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Nelson Bell Jr., 52, of Monroe, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possessing two sawed-off shotguns. He previously pleaded guilty to the federal charges on April 9, 2019.

Monroe Police went to Bell’s home on October 23, 2017, in response to a complaint.  The officers determined that Bell had fired a gun in the living room, hitting a couch across from where his wife was sitting, and then went outside and fired a shot into the air.  Officers found an ejected shell from the firearm on the living room floor and two shotguns, an Ithaca shotgun, Model 37, 12 gauge and a Browning shotgun, Model Light Twelve 12 gauge.  Law enforcement agents measured the barrels of both shotguns and found they measured less than 18 inches in length, the minimum length required by law.  Bell admitted to possessing the firearms, and that he was aware they were below the legal barrel length and not registered as required by law. Under federal law, shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches must be registered.

The ATF and the Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath 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 Glenn Frierson, 38, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.  Local authorities arrested Frierson on January 15, 2019, in connection with the death of Shreveport Police Officer Chateri Payne.  

According to the documents filed at the guilty plea, Shreveport police searched the defendant’s place of business on May 3, 2018.  As police officers entered the business, Frierson placed a pistol on the restroom floor that opened into his barber stall.  The officers found the Smith & Wesson, Model SD40, .40-caliber pistol, which was loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition.  Frierson owned the pistol and carried it for protection when selling drugs.  He was also found with 28 grams of pure methamphetamine, which was stored inside his backpack and inside of a hidden compartment of a false beverage container.  Frierson also possessed a scale to weigh drugs.

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 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, eight of which were suspended.  It is illegal under federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Frierson faces 10 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and 20 years in prison for drug distribution.  He also faces three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Hicks set sentencing for December 11, 2019.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Jeremy Rankins, 28, of Lake Charles, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. for possessing a stolen firearm at a casino.

According to the guilty plea, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint on May 19, 2018, 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.

Rankins faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for November 14, 2019. 

The ATF and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen 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.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Darrien Lamont Rogers, 23, of Lake Charles, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. for hiding his criminal background on gun purchase paperwork. 

According to the guilty plea, Rogers attempted to purchase a Taurus, Model PT 111, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol on March 4, 2019, 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.  Because of the conviction, Rogers is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Rogers faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for November 14 2019. 

The ATF conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen 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.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Robert Hammac, 45, a former officer of the Lake Charles Police Department, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. for using excessive force against an arrestee, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph 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 Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Anderson.

Hammac pleaded guilty to a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.  According to documents filed today, Hammac was involved in a vehicle pursuit of G.T. on May 8, 2017, for several miles. The car was brought to a stop, and 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 our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.  “The vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their difficult and dangerous duties with integrity and courage.  However, law enforcement officers who betray the badge and the public’s trust, as the defendant did here, also dishonor their profession and their fellow officers.  This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana.”

“Law enforcement officers must uphold and defend the constitution,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “When an officer abuses their power, the public’s trust in law enforcement is compromised. The Department of Justice will continue to hold such officers accountable under the law.”

“Police officers respond to challenging and dynamic situations every day,” stated FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Anderson. “They are trained to maintain professionalism and adhere to standards of conduct in any situation. In this instance, the officer did not apply his training and violated the constitutional rights of the victim. Instances such as this are unacceptable and will continue to be high priority investigations of the FBI.

Hammac faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The court set sentencing for Nov. 14.

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 are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Earl Vinson III, 21, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to serve 20 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  He previously pleaded guilty to the federal firearm charge on April 10, 2019.

Shreveport police made contact with Vinson on April 24, 2018, outside a restaurant after receiving a call regarding Vinson being a possible suspect in an automobile burglary.  The officers found that Vinson was in possession of a Keltec .380-caliber pistol.  Vinson admitted that he knew he was not allowed to have a firearm as a convicted felon.  He was convicted on December 18, 2017, in state court for accessory after the fact to armed robbery.  Under federal law, it is illegal for felons to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath 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 Michael Roy Reed, 44, of Keithville, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to serve seven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a .380-caliber pistol.  Reed previously pleaded guilty on February 12, 2019, to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Shreveport Police received a call on January 23, 2018, from a concerned citizen about a Colt, Model: Mustang XSP, .380-caliber pistol.  The caller informed the police that he had received the firearm from Reed as payment for performing work on Reed’s truck.  After investigating the matter further, police officers learned that the Mustang Colt pistol was one of seven firearms reported stolen from a pawn shop days earlier and that Reed was a convicted felon.

Reed was convicted in Ouachita Parish on July 8, 2013, for illegal possession of stolen things, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Reed was indicted September 27, 2018.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. 

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy 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.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Blake Lee Bissell, 28, of Haughton, Louisiana, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to serve seven and a half years in prison for persuading a minor to travel with him from West Virginia to Louisiana in order to engage in illegal sexual activity.  Bissell previously pleaded guilty on January 16, 2019, to one count of coercion and enticement to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Blake Bissell began an online relationship with a 14-year-old in early 2018.  He used a cell phone and social media applications to send text messages and other electronic communications to the victim in order to convince the victim to travel to the Western District of Louisiana.  Shortly thereafter, Bissell traveled to West Virginia on June 30, 2018, picked up the minor and transported the minor back to Louisiana where they engaged in illegal sexual activity.

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.justice.gov/psc.           

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 and the Wheeling Police Department of West Virginia conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – A Bossier City man pleaded guilty today for his leadership role and participation in an anabolic steroid distribution conspiracy in the Shreveport/Bossier City area, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.

Brant R. Landry, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, and manufacturing anabolic steroids.  According to documents filed along with the guilty plea, from October 2016 to May 2018, Brant Landry was involved in a scheme to manufacture and distribute anabolic steroids in the Shreveport-Bossier City area along with his wife Julie Landry, 42, and Mike Mosura, 44, of Bossier City. 

United States Postal officials in Benton, Louisiana, identified large volumes of mail that contained suspected drugs, many of which came from other countries, including China.  On one occasion, a postal official observed Brant Landry using gloves and a towel to place parcels in a collection box.  The parcels were examined and found to contain illegal drugs. 

When a Bossier Parish deputy stopped Brant Landry’s vehicle on May 22, 2018, for a traffic violation, the deputy searched his vehicle and found a plastic bag containing 11 vials of a yellow liquid substance later identified as steroids.  After questioning Landry further, he admitted to importing the drugs, distributing them and storing the drugs at his home.  Deputies searched his residence and found numerous vials of liquid steroids, empty vials, labels, and an industrial size pill mixer and pill press apparatus.  Residue on the pill press tested positive for steroids.

Brant Landry and Mosura face 10 years in prison for conspiracy, and Brant Landry faces 10 years for possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids and manufacturing anabolic steroids.  Additionally, they both face two years to life of supervised release and a $500,000 fine. Mosura pleaded guilty on August 8, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Foote set Brant Landry’s sentencing for December 4, 2019. Mosura’s sentencing date is set for December 5, 2019.  Julie Landry is scheduled for trial on September 9, 2019.

The DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Matthew A. Beaudion, 30, and Jessica N. Davis, 34, both of Monroe, were sentenced Wednesday, to 120 months in prison and 92 months in prison, respectively, by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Ouachita Parish. 

On August 14, 2017, Matthew Beaudion, Jessica Davis, and co-defendant Justin Jenkins, traveled to Houston, Texas, for Beaudion to purchase methamphetamine that he and Davis planned to distribute once they returned to Monroe.  Davis personally assisted with the planned distributions of the methamphetamine by coordinating with a customer as to when they would return to Monroe with the drugs.  Beaudion paid Jenkins to drive because he was the only one who had a valid driver’s license.  After returning to Monroe on August 15, 2017, law enforcement agents stopped the vehicle and discovered 690.5 grams of methamphetamine hidden behind the radio under the dashboard of the vehicle.

Justin D. Jenkins, 34, of Monroe, Louisiana, previously pled guilty to the conspiracy count on January 24, 2018 and was sentenced on May 2, 2019.  Beaudion and Davis previously pled guilty to the federal charges on April 10, 2019.

The DEA and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Caddo Parish School Board member pleaded guilty today for his role in an anabolic steroid distribution scheme.  Mike Mosura, 44, of Bossier City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

From January 2016 to May 2018, Mosura was involved in a scheme to distribute anabolic steroids in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, along with co-defendants Brant R. Landry, 39, and wife Julie Landry, 42, both of Bossier City.  When a Bossier Parish deputy stopped Brant Landry’s vehicle on May 22, 2018, for driving erratically, Brant Landry told the deputy that he had a .45-caliber pistol and medication inside the vehicle. After searching it, the deputy found a plastic baggie containing a white powdery substance that was later identified as Xanax and 11 vials of yellow liquid, later determined to be anabolic steroids.

Further investigation revealed that Brant Landry distributed steroids to Mosura, who in turn consumed and distributed the steroids to third parties.  Mosura admitted to receiving and distributing the steroids.

Mosura faces 10 years in prison, two years to life of supervised release and a $500,000 fine.  Judge Foote set Mike Mosura’s sentencing date for December 5, 2019.  Brant Landry and Julie Landry are scheduled for trial on September 9, 2019.

The DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting case.

ALEXANDNRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Otavia L. Lewis, 38, of Crowley, Louisiana, was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay full restitution in the amount of $148,735.28 for stealing from her former employer, Apex Equipment Inc.  Lewis, who pleaded guilty on May 1, 2019, to wire fraud, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.

According to admissions made as part of her guilty plea and documents filed in court, Lewis was employed as the office manager and bookkeeper for Apex Equipment Inc., a privately-held company located in Crowley.  As bookkeeper, Lewis was responsible for initiating direct deposits of Apex employees’ paychecks into their respective bank accounts.  Lewis used her position and access to the company’s accounting software between May 2014 and May 2016 to defraud Apex out of $148,735.28.  As part of the scheme, Lewis used Quickbooks’ direct deposit feature to transfer funds from Apex’s bank account to bank accounts and prepaid debit cards controlled by herself and others, and concealed her fraud in Quickbooks by using other employees’ names to make the transfers.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Forrest Phillips prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – After reaching a plea deal this morning before trial was scheduled to begin, Derrick Curry, 39, of Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies observed Curry on July 12, 2018, on a bicycle violating traffic laws by traveling down a street against the flow of oncoming traffic and without a functioning rear light.  When the deputies attempted to make contact with him, Curry jumped off of his bike and started to run, while throwing an object in the air that he had pulled from his waistband.  When the deputies caught up to Curry, they found him wearing a black nylon gun holster attached to his belt and found a Taurus, Model: PT-92 AF, 9 mm-caliber pistol, loaded with 16 rounds of 9 mm bullets, 10 feet from where he was taken into custody. 

Under federal law, a felon is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition. At the time of his arrest on July 12, 2018, Curry, who was previously convicted of armed robbery on May 9, 1990, knew that he was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition.

Curry faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Doughty set the sentencing date for November 7, 2019.

The ATF and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Cytheria D. Jernigan 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 a federal jury handed down a guilty verdict on all counts against a former Fort Polk U.S. Army soldier who sexually abused a minor beginning when the minor was under the age of 12 years old.

Ronald W. Allen Jr., 40, of Fort Polk, Louisiana, was convicted after a two-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey. The jury deliberated for approximately 30 minutes before the defendant was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and sexual abuse of a minor.

Testimony presented during the trial showed that from April 2012 until June 2016 the defendant sexually abused the minor on numerous occasions on the Fort Polk Military Base, where the defendant lived.  The abuse was exposed when the minor gave details to an individual at a school she was attending in a community near Fort Polk.  Local law enforcement agents were later notified, the victim was interviewed and a warrant was executed on the defendant’s residence.  Agents obtained DNA evidence from where abuse occurred and matched it to the defendant’s DNA.

Allen faces 30 years to life in prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child under the Age of 12, and 15 years in prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.  The defendant also faces no less than five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  The court did not set a sentencing date.

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.justice.gov/psc.           

Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lake Charles FBI office number is (337) 433-6353.

The FBI, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a federal jury in Monroe convicted two northeast Louisiana residents for robbing three financial institutions at gunpoint and for multiple firearms violations.  The verdict came in this afternoon following a four-day trial, which was presided over by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty.

Lakendria Nicole Goings, 35, of Monroe, and David Ray Johnson, 36, of Winnsboro, Louisiana, were convicted 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.

“Today’s verdict brings justice for the victims of these armed robberies and reinforces my office’s resolve to assist those Louisiana communities that suffer under the menace of violent crime,” said David C. Joseph, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.  “We cannot undo the terror these defendants caused during their rampage, but we can take solace that they have been held accountable by a jury of their peers, and will be spending substantial time in federal prison as a result of their crimes.  I am thankful for the extraordinary efforts and teamwork of the federal and local law enforcement officers that investigated these crimes and those Franklin Parish Sheriff’s deputies who put their lives on the line to stop the defendants before anyone was hurt.” 

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.

Goings and Johnson face seven years in prison for each count of using of a weapon during a crime of violence and 25 years in prison for each count of bank robbery. Johnson faces up to 10 years for discharging the weapon during the high speed chase, and he also faces up to 10 years in prison for the convicted felon in possession of a firearm counts.  Judge Doughty set the sentencing date for David Ray Johnson on November 6, 2019, and for Lakendria Nicole Goings on November 7, 2019.

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, and the federal prosecution was greatly aided by District Attorney Mack Lancaster’s office, Fifth Judicial District of Louisiana.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jonathon J. Hernandez, 39, of Elm Grove, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 381 grams of pure methamphetamine.  The sentence will be served consecutive to a state imposed sentence that Hernandez received for a parole violation related to a firearms conviction in the 26th Judicial District Court, Benton, Louisiana.    

On November 14, 2018, a Haughton Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on Hernandez’s vehicle, near the intersection of Interstate 20 and Louisiana Highway 157, and discovered that he was operating an uninsured vehicle, was driving on a suspended driver’s license and had several past arrests for drugs and weapons offenses.  Hernandez consented to a search of the vehicle, where the officer found a small baggie of methamphetamine, a gallon-sized bag containing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia including a scale, a glass pipe, a syringe, propane torches and empty pill capsules.  Hernandez later admitted to traveling to Dallas, Texas, to pick up one kilogram of methamphetamine and that he was transporting the drugs found in his vehicle.

Under federal law, certain drug charges carry mandatory minimum sentences.  In this case, Hernandez possessed more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, which carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years.  

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced for his role in a financial aid fraud scheme at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), which caused a loss of more than $400,000.

Deundre Fleeks, 27, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to serve 18 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release following imprisonment.  He was also ordered to pay $391,839 restitution.

Fleeks enrolled 20 individuals in BPCC and completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Master Promissory Notes in each of the students’ names.  Once the money was received, Fleeks would attend classes and complete coursework for the students.  In return, each student paid Fleeks $1,000 per semester from the money the students received in Direct Loans and Pell Grants.  The Department of Education disbursed $262,793 in Federal Direct Stafford Loans and $144,052 in Federal Pell Grants during the course of the scheme, which took place from August 2014 to September 2016.  Fleeks pleaded guilty on December 13, 2018.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – Former Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools Wendell Scott Smith, 61, of Bossier City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby to possession of Valium, Ambien, Soma and Lyrica in four separate counts, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.  Smith was sentenced to one year of supervised release and was fined $100,000. 

According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents intercepted a DHL package containing Diazepam, also known as Valium, addressed to a Bossier City residence on January 31, 2019.  After the Diazepam tested positive, the agents conducted a controlled delivery of the package, which originated in India and contained a forged prescription.  Smith was confronted by law enforcement agents after he picked up the package and placed it in his vehicle, and agreed to a search of his vehicle, resulting in the Diazepam package being recovered.  In an interview later that evening, Smith admitted to purchasing controlled substances illegally online without a valid prescription for six years, spending more than $10,000 on controlled substances during this time.  Also during the interview, agents seized Diazepam and Propranolol that Smith removed from his pocket.  Smith agreed to a search of his property and showed agents where he kept the drugs he had purchased from the internet.

The following controlled substances were seized from the master bedroom area of Smith’s residence: 

 

Tadalafil Tablets – 53 tablets

Promethazine Hydrochloride Tablets – 99 tablets

Zolpidem (Ambien) Tablets – 43 tablets

Carisoprodol (Soma) Tablets – 54 tablets

Gabapentin Sustained Release Tablets – 174 tablets

Zolpidem Aurobindo – 52 tablets

Ondansetron Tablets – 63 tablets

Sanval – 9 tablets

Quetiapine Tablets – 17 tablets

Propanolol Hydrochloride Tablets – 102 tablets

Diazepam (Valium) – 50 tablets

Nebivolol Hydrochloride Tablets – 93 tablets

Propanolol Hydrochloride Tablets –7 tablets

Quetiapine Tablets – 51 tablets

Pregabalin (Lyrica) Capsules – 47 capsules

 

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Eric Charles Means, 33, of Benton, Louisiana, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 322 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Means pleaded guilty on February 19, 2019.

Law enforcement agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration encountered Means on January 24, 2018 in a vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel on Industrial Drive in Bossier City, Louisiana.  Inside the vehicle were plastic baggies containing 12.6 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms in a duffel bag on the front passenger seat.  Means admitted to distributing methamphetamine and that he possessed the firearms while distributing the drugs.  The two firearms confiscated from the duffel bag were a Smith & Wesson .357-caliber pistol and a Glock .45-caliber pistol, along with ammunition.

The DEA and ATF conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Shelby Jude Darby, 27, of Lafayette, was sentenced Tuesday to 100 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for illegally possessing a 9 mm pistol and an AK-47 style rifle.  He pleaded guilty on March 27, 2019, to possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Lafayette Police Department officers pulled over Darby’s vehicle on November 1, 2017, because of illegally dark tint on the vehicle’s windows.  Darby stepped out of the vehicle and immediately fled on foot down an alley between a residence and a garage.  Officers chased him, placed him under arrest and found an SCCY, Model CPX-2, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol on the ground where Darby had been laying.  The officers then returned to Darby’s vehicle where they saw a Romarm/Cugir, Model WASR 10/63 UF, 7.620-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which was located between the driver’s seat and center console along with various illegal narcotics. 

Darby is a felon who was previously convicted in February of 2016 for possession of Hydrocodone.  According to federal law, a convicted felon is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.

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

ALEXANDNRIA, La. – Freddie Lewis, 28, of Alexandria, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to serve 54 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.  Lewis previously pleaded guilty to the federal charge on April 16, 2019.

A Louisiana State Trooper stopped Freddie Lewis in Alexandria on December 12, 2017, and found that he was in possession of a loaded Glock 22, .40-caliber pistol that was reported stolen.  Lewis is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of previous felony convictions that include possession of cocaine (2010), aggravated flight from an officer and simple burglary of a religious building (2013), obscenity (2015) and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2017).  Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara 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 today that Gregory Alan Smith, 55, a Shreveport investment advisor, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to information presented in court, Smith used his influence and status as an investment advisor to persuade multiple victims to “invest” approximately $3.5 million with Smith and co-defendant Kirbyjon H. Caldwell.  The victims’ investments were purportedly in historical Chinese bonds, which are bonds issued by the former Republic of China prior to losing power to the communist government in 1949.  These bonds are not recognized by China’s current government and, accordingly, have no investment value.

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

After Smith made the fraudulent pitch, the victims were instructed to wire funds to various bank accounts under Caldwell’s control.  The funds were then divided between Smith, Caldwell and others.  Smith received $1.08 million of the total $3.5 million.  He used it to pay down loans, purchase two luxury sport utility vehicles, place a down payment on a vacation property and maintain his lifestyle.  After time passed and investors began to question why they had not received the promised returns, Smith and Caldwell offered excuses, defended the legitimacy of the deals and assured victim-investors that they would receive the promised returns.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Smith faces five to seven years in prison. He also faces a $1 million fine, restitution, forfeiture and five years of supervised release. Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2019.  Caldwell’s trial is scheduled for December 2, 2019.

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

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

For more information about DOJ’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.  Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.  The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.

MONROE, La. – A federal jury handed down guilty verdicts against three Monroe residents late Friday afternoon for trafficking illegal narcotics, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. 

Thomas J.M. Goodin, 37, Meko R. Walker, 37, and Brittany S. Gix, 30, all of Monroe, were convicted after a four-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty.

All three defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.  In addition, Goodin was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute more than 10 grams of phencyclidine (PCP), and Walker and Gix were found guilty of attempted possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

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

In a second incident, a Louisiana State Trooper pulled over Goodin’s vehicle on November 30, 2017, in West Monroe on Interstate 20 traveling eastbound bearing California license plates.  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.

“Illegal drugs are wreaking havoc on our communities and prosecuting those responsible for selling this poison is a priority of our office,” Joseph stated. “These defendants will be spending substantial time in federal prison as a result of their crimes.  I want to thank the federal, state, and local law enforcement for their hard work and exemplary teamwork in tracking these defendants and investigating this case.  I also want to thank the prosecutors and staff for their work conducting this trial professionally and effectively.”

Goodin faces 25 years to life in prison, and Walker and Gix face 10 years to life in prison.  The defendants also face five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.  The court set sentencing for November 6, 2019.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – Travis Trumaine Singleton, 35, of Morgan City, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison and two years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for possessing an assault rifle after being convicted of a felony, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. Singleton previously pleaded guilty to the federal charge on April 16, 2019.

Morgan City Police executed a search warrant on January 19, 2019 at his mother’s home and found an Eagle Arms, Model Eagle 15, multi-caliber, semi-automatic rifle and 29 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition. He later admitted that he was in possession of the rifle, and that he also took a photo of the firearm on January 17, 2019, which further documented his possession of the weapon.

Singleton is a felon with a previous drug felony in state court. Under federal law, convicted felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.

The ATF, Chitimacha Tribal Police and Morgan City Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie 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. – Nicholas Joseph Felix, 27, of Lafayette, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.  Felix pleaded guilty on March 11, 2019. 

During a traffic stop of Felix’s vehicle on May 6, 2018, Lafayette police officers approached the vehicle and encountered the smell of burnt marijuana.  They searched his vehicle and found a Charter Arms, Model Bulldog, .44 Special revolver in the trunk. Nicholas Felix has two prior felony convictions for aggravated battery and obstruction of justice.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker 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 Leonard Espree, 56, formerly of Lafayette, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. for stealing nearly $300,000 from three finance companies.  Espree was also ordered to pay $294,292.12 restitution. He pleaded guilty April 3, 2019.

Leonard Espree was the owner and operator of Ameritek Office Solutions in Lafayette, which sold and serviced office equipment.  Espree submitted false documentation in the names of existing local businesses to three finance companies in 2015 and 2016 to obtain payment for office equipment supposedly supplied to these businesses.  The three companies approved eight of the transactions for which Espree received a total of $294,292.12.  However, Espree never sold or delivered equipment to any of the businesses. 

The FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – A Delhi, Louisiana, farmer pleaded guilty Monday to lying to more than seven financial institutions, insurance providers and government entities in an effort to obtain nearly $17 million illegally, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. Thomas Dickerson, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for making false statements to the Commodity Credit Corporation.

According to the guilty plea, 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.  He stole $16,985,409.71 during the course of the scheme.

“This case should serve as a warning to those who engage in crooked financial schemes,” Joseph stated.  “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting taxpayer money set aside to help our farmers and prosecuting those who cheat financial institutions and insurance companies for personal gain.  The defendant’s conduct in this case not only caused significant financial loss to victims throughout northeast Louisiana, but also undermined the integrity of our agricultural finance system.  This type of behavior will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana.”

Dickerson faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $10,000 fine.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2019.

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Sulphur, Louisiana, man was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. to 37 months in prison and five years of supervised release for illegally possessing a shotgun and pistol. James Bergeron, 29, previously pleaded guilty for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon on April 11, 2019.

According to information presented in court, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on October 19, 2018 at Bergeron’s Sulphur residence where they found a Browning 12-gauge shotgun and a Ruger .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol.  Bergeron, a convicted felon, was present at the time of the search and admitted to ownership and use of the firearms.

He was convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas on September 26, 2013, for bank robbery and in the 14th Judicial District Court, Calcasieu Parish, on August 25, 2017, for possession of methamphetamine.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF, Lake Charles Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie 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 reductions in crime.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Lake Charles man who led police officers on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Dane Darbonne, 29, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. after pleading guilty on April 11, 2019, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to information presented in court, Darbonne purchased a Savage Model 110-caliber, 30-06 rifle from an individual on August 10, 2018.  One day after taking possession of the firearm, Darbonne led Lake Charles police in a high-speed car chase.  Darbonne crashed the car and fled the scene on foot.  Officers recovered the rifle from the vehicle Darbonne was driving.

Darbonne is a felon who was previously convicted for possession of a firearm in a firearm free zone, assault by drive-by-shooting, attempted manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

The ATF and the Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti 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. – Alex Joseph Suire, 25, of Maurice, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.

According to the guilty plea, Suire attempted to purchase a Smith & Wesson SD9VE, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol on January 25, 2019, at a Lafayette sporting goods store.  In order to purchase the firearm, he was required to fill out an ATF Form 4473 in order to complete a background check.  Suire answered “no” to the question which asks the applicant to report pending felony charges.  At the time, he was aware that he had been charged with a variety of felony offenses in state court, which included home invasion, simple battery, domestic abuse battery, simple assault, intimidating witnesses and simple burglary.

Suire faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2019.

The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker 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.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Emerson Eugene Stanton, 56, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography that included sexually explicit images of juveniles.  Judge Doughty also sentenced Stanton to five years of supervised release following his incarceration.

According to information presented in court, Stanton’s employer found internet searches for nude images of children on the defendant’s cell phone, and took the phone that day to the West Monroe Police Department.  Officers obtained and executed a search warrant for Stanton’s cell phone and discovered images of child pornography involving prepubescent minors.  A search warrant was also executed at Stanton’s home where officers found another cell phone containing more images of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, including one of the same images officers found on the phone Stanton possessed at work.  Stanton pled guilty to these charges on March 8, 2019.

Homeland Security Investigations and West Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

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.

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. – A New Orleans, Louisiana, resident was sentenced Wednesday to 71 months in prison and five years of supervised release for fraudulently obtaining disaster-assistance benefits from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following severe flooding in Monroe, Louisiana, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

Chad Lightfoot, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, who presided over the trial in this case.  Judge Doughty also ordered the defendant to pay $23,684.71 in restitution to FEMA and a $10,000 fine.  Lightfoot was convicted on March 14, 2019, after a four-day trial. 

Evidence presented at trial showed that, after a federal disaster was declared on March 13, 2016 following severe flooding in Monroe, Louisiana, Lightfoot applied for disaster grant assistance with FEMA for damage to property he owned on South Fourth Street in Monroe.  Lightfoot listed the property as his primary residence, when in reality, the property was abandoned and unoccupied and he lived in the New Orleans area.  Prior to the property’s inspection by FEMA on March 30, 2016, Lightfoot obtained a Louisiana Identification Card to appear as though he lived there.  He also submitted a fraudulent bill to FEMA from Cox Communications to establish proof of occupancy.  A Cox representative testified at trial that Cox does not provide services in Monroe.  As a result of his fraudulent claims, FEMA sent Lightfoot $23,684.71 for home repairs, rental assistance, and personal property.  Lightfoot also submitted two appeals to FEMA, which included $115,669 and $122,500 in repair estimates.

The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov (link sends e-mail).  Live operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.

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