Western District of Louisiana

LAFAYETTE – On June 30, 2026, Javon Robertson, 40, of Lafayette, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison after his April 2026 guilty plea to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. As part of his plea, Robinson forfeited $79,805.00 in U.S. currency and a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which were proceeds derived from his sale of illegal narcotics. 

“Methamphetamine continues to inflict tremendous harm on families and communities across Louisiana,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This sentence reflects our office’s commitment to holding traffickers accountable and to supporting the law enforcement partners who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

In July of 2025, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit opened an investigation into Robertson based on information that he was selling narcotics out of his home in Lafayette, Louisiana. While surveilling Robertson’s residence, law enforcement observed Robertson leave his residence, meet an individual at a local store, and conduct a “hand-to-hand” transaction of suspected illegal drugs. The recipient in this transaction admitted to law enforcement that she had just purchased drugs from Robertson. Law Enforcement then obtained a search warrant for Robertson’s residence, which was executed on July 29, 2025. During the execution of this search warrant, agents seized large quantities of controlled substances and drug distribution paraphernalia, including two hydraulic presses, a currency counter, and $79,805.00 in U.S. currency. Robertson admitted to law enforcement that the seized narcotics belonged to him. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s South-Central Laboratory confirmed that the narcotics seized from Robertson’s residence included 38.22 grams of cocaine base, 134.9 grams of cocaine, and 90.46 grams of methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit (LPSONU) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-CR-00322-01.

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Public Affairs    
United States Attorney’s Office            
Western District of Louisiana            
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LAFAYETTE – On June 17, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned an indictment charging Kimberly Deshay Hill, 52, of Hammond, with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and § 841(b)(1)(A)(ii). Hill faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the charges.

According to court documents, on March 31, 2026, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office CAT Unit deputy stopped Hill’s vehicle on I-10 for a traffic violation. Hill had no valid driver’s license, an unrestrained child in the car, and gave conflicting statements about her travel plans. A K-9 alerted to narcotics and a search of the vehicle uncovered twelve kilogram-sized packages of cocaine weighing about 29.8 pounds, as depicted below:  

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case, led by Special Agent Matthew Moon. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Sarver with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills. 

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

You may find a copy of this press release on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 2:26-cr-00238-01.

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Public Affairs    
United States Attorney’s Office            
Western District of Louisiana            
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Twitter @USAO_WDLA    
 

LAFAYETTE – On June 26, 2026, David Courvelle, 56, a former Contract Detention Officer at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, Louisiana, was sentenced to three years in federal prison after his December 29, 2025, plea to one count of Sexual Abuse of a Ward. 

“This three-year sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Courvelle’s conduct, which involved both a sexual relationship with a detainee and using other detainees to coordinate and cover up his crime,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Those entrusted with authority over detained persons must be held to the highest standards, and violations of that trust will be prosecuted.” 

According to court documents, Courvelle served as a Contract Detention Officer between January and July 2025, during which time he engaged in prohibited sexual contact with a female detainee at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. Evidence shows Courvelle developed a relationship with the detainee and provided her with gifts, family photos, and other items. He also arranged for other detainees to act as lookouts during their sexual encounters to avoid detection. In a statement to investigators conducted pursuant to the Prison Rape Elimination Act, the victim explained that she felt pressured to perform sexual acts on Courvelle while they were together. 

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Thomas A. Johnson with assistance from Legal Assistant Tanya Broussard.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 6:25-CR-00354.
 

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LAFAYETTE – On June 30, 2026, former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (“LDWF”) Jack Montoucet, 78, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by soliciting and accepting kickbacks in return for awarding a state contract.  Montoucet previously pled guilty on March 31, 2026.

According to court documents, Montoucet, while Secretary of the LDWF, steered an LDWF contract to a company called DGL1, LLC, in exchange for one-third of the profit, with the other two-thirds divided between Montoucet’s two co-conspirators, Dusty Guidry and Leonard Franques. On January 27, 2021, Montoucet caused LDWF to award a no-bid contract to DGL1 to provide online hunter and boater education courses. After the Louisiana Division of Administration, Office of Special Procurement raised concerns about the no-bid contract, the LDWF put out for public bids a contract to provide these educational classes. Montoucet used his position with LDWF to ensure DGL1 had a competitive advantage in the bidding process and DGL1 was awarded the contract.  

On October 8, 2021, Montoucet, acting as Secretary, signed a contract with DGL1 to provide the hunter and boater classes in the knowledge that he would receive kickbacks. A month later, Montoucet met with Franques and Guidry to discuss how to conceal the payouts, agreeing that Franques would hold Montoucet’s portion until after he departed LDWF and pay it to him as a purported “signing bonus” for consulting work.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Myers P. Namie, Lauren L. Nickel, and LaDonte A. Murphy, along with Trial Attorney Alex Dempsey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice, with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 25-cr-00134.

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Public Affairs    
United States Attorney’s Office            
Western District of Louisiana            
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Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

ALEXANDRIA – On June 30, 2026, Glynn Dixon, 62, of Forest Hill, pled guilty in federal court for his role in a decade-long scheme involving bribery and a conspiracy to commit visa fraud and mail fraud after his four co-conspirators, Chandrakant Patel, 40, of Oakdale, Chad Doyle, 55, of Oakdale, Michael Slaney, 64, of Oakdale, and Tebo Onishea, 38, of Glenmora, each pled guilty to the same in recent weeks. The defendants were originally indicted on July 2, 2025.  Dixon, Doyle, Onishea, and Slaney each face up to 5 years in prison. Patel faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

At the time of the offenses, four of the defendants were serving in high-profile law enforcement positions: Doyle as Oakdale Chief of Police; Slaney as Oakdale Marshal for Ward 5; Dixon as Forest Hill Chief of Police; and Onishea as Glenmora Chief of Police. Patel was a business owner.

“These defendants’ disgraceful fraud endangered our community and undermined the public trust in the immigration system solely to line their own pockets,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “These guilty pleas confirm the depth of corruption uncovered here and the strength of the evidence developed during an incredible investigation by our law enforcement partners working together, and our Office looks forward to advocating for prison time for each defendant that reflects the seriousness of the crimes they committed.”

“HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of our immigration system and lawful immigration benefits,” said Matt Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans. “When anyone, including public officials, exploits immigration relief programs or commits fraud against the government, HSI and our law enforcement partners will investigate, dismantle these schemes, and work to bring those responsible to justice.”

"These guilty pleas demonstrate accountability for officials who breach public trust and misuse federal systems," said Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, of the IRS-CI Atlanta field office. "This case shows how IRS Criminal Investigation special agents tracked the funds, uncovered irregularities, and dismantled a network." 

“Mr. Patel and his law enforcement co-conspirators corrupted the process that helps actual victims of violent crime to allow people to remain in our country under an alleged fraud." said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI's New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI will continue to work with our federal partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure people who engage in this type of corrupt criminal activity are brought to justice.” 

The case involves the abuse of U nonimmigrant status, or “U-Visas.” Congress created the U-Visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crime while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of that criminal activity. Foreign nationals are eligible for a U-Visa if they meet certain criteria, including but not limited to, if they were a victim of qualifying criminal activity that occurred in or violated laws of the United States, or possessed information about the criminal activity.

According to court documents, the defendants engaged in U-Visa fraud from December 2015 through July 2025 by fabricating police reports that falsely documented armed robberies that never occurred and then providing these fictitious reports to noncitizens who used them to support fraudulent U-Visa applications. The foreign nationals pursuing U-Visas would pay Patel thousands of dollars to be named as “victims” in these fabricated incidents, and Patel then secured false police reports by coordinating with defendants Doyle, Slaney, Dixon, and Onishea, each of whom used their positions in law enforcement to certify the fraudulent reports. Court records also show that Patel attempted to bribe an agent of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office with $5,000 in February 2025 to obtain such a report. In addition, the defendants submitted falsified documents via the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers, constituting additional mail fraud charges.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Fraud Detection and National Security Division, as part of the Homeland Security Task Force under Operation Take Back America. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Danny Siefker, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Joanne Henry-Mills and Denise Duhon.  

This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (“TCOs”), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETFs”) and Project Safe Neighborhood (“PSN”).

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 1:25 cr 00173.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                   USALAW-News@usdoj.gov
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LAFAYETTE – On June 16, 2026, Isaiah Robinson, 27, of New Iberia, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for Enticement of a Minor.  Robinson also received a 10-year term of supervised release to follow his imprisonment.

“This case reflects our commitment to protect children and seek justice for the most vulnerable among us and, more importantly, the importance of parents remaining vigilant and reporting this criminal activity to law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue offenders who exploit minors, including by investigating tips provided by parents and others who see something suspicious, and bring these predators to justice.”

According to court documents, Robinson was engaged in an online conversation with a minor on Snapchat whom Robinson knew to be a female child approximately 12 years old in January 2024. During the conversation, Robinson requested that the child send explicit photos of herself to him. The minor child’s father discovered the conversation on the child’s phone and alerted law enforcement, who were able to confirm Robinson’s identity as the user of that Snapchat account.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon II with assistance from Legal Administrative Specialist Tanya Broussard.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 6:25-CR-00015-1.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                           USALAW-News@usdoj.gov
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Alexandria – On June 23, 2026, two criminal complaints were filed charging Gustavo Mendoza-Alvarez, 25, and Osvaldo Lopez-Sanchez, 28, both of Mexico, with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Both defendants face up to life in federal prison on the charged offenses.

“These charges reflect the serious danger posed by smugglers who attempt to deliver narcotics into our federal prison system and who endanger innocent motorists and law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “We will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to stop the flow of drugs into correctional facilities and ensure accountability for those who carry out these dangerous schemes.”

According to court documents, the investigation began on June 14, 2026, when the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office received reports of a drone flying near the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana (FCC-Pollock). Detectives responding to the area found recent footprints and observed a vehicle with Texas license plates attempting to avoid law enforcement. During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle—driven by Lopez-Sanchez with Mendoza-Alvarez as the passenger—struck a marked Grant Parish patrol vehicle and later collided head-on with a Ford F-350. Both men were taken into custody, and a search of their phones revealed images of a drone, THC wax, and what appeared to be methamphetamine. 

Investigators later executed a search warrant at a nearby hotel where they located approximately 446 grams of methamphetamine, 114 grams of marijuana, THC vapes, 21 cell phones, a wallet containing Mendoza-Alvarez’s Mexican voter ID, assorted ammunition, spare drone propellers, and a drone operator harness, as depicted below:  

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Alexandria Resident Agency, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is currently pending assignment.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                                                                                              USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                                                                                                   www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                                                                                                       Twitter @USAO_WDLA                                                                                     

SHREVEPORT – In June 2026, the last three defendants in a fourteen‑defendant methamphetamine trafficking organization were sentenced to federal prison. After pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, the defendants received sentences of varying lengths, with the highest reaching 27 years.

According to court documents, in February 2024, federal authorities began investigating Shedrick Green III, 41, and Cornelius Boston, 45, for distributing methamphetamine in and around Ruston, Louisiana.  As part of the investigation, agents made controlled drug purchases, obtained Title III wiretaps, subpoenaed financial records, conducted traffic stops, and carried out multiple search warrants.  The investigation revealed that the men obtained their supply of methamphetamine from two sources: Ferrano Barnes, 55, of Lodi, California, and Felipe Penaloza Gomez, 40, of Mexico.  The methamphetamine was then stored and distributed from five locations in Ruston. Search warrants and CashApp records revealed coordinated payments among conspirators used to obtain, transport, and distribute the drugs. Searches ultimately led to the seizure of more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $55,000 in cash from locations in Ruston and Sulphur. 

“This case shows the power of coordinated effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement, who worked together here to dismantle a large and complex drug trafficking conspiracy devoted to poisoning our rural North Louisiana community with methamphetamine,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office is tirelessly working with our partners to disrupt and dismantle these networks throughout the District as part of the nationwide Operation Take Back America initiative.”

For their roles in the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, the defendants were sentenced to the following terms of imprisonment: 

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Ruston Police Department, Sulphur Police Department, Louisiana National Guard Counterdrug Unit, Louisiana Air National Guard, and U.S. Marshals Service.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Cassidy and Elliott Cassidy with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-cr-00264-01.

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CONTACT: Public Affairs   

United States Attorney’s Office

Western District of Louisiana

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Twitter @USAO_WDLA

SHREVEPORT – On June 10, 2026, Morgan J. Moore, 36 of Shreveport, was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 240 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release after a jury found him guilty of one count of Possession and seven counts of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentences will be served concurrently. 

On May 28, 2024, Caddo Parish detectives received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Moore had uploaded child pornography onto the KIK messaging app. A search warrant for Moore’s residence recovered multiple devices containing approximately 19,125 files containing child pornography. According to court documents, digital evidence of these crimes included graphic videos depicting sexual abuse of children as young as four years old.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, with NCMEC providing additional investigative material. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cheyenne Wilson and Earl Campbell with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Amanda Morgan.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 5:25-cr-00050.

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Public Affairs 

United States Attorney’s Office                             

Western District of Louisiana                                

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA     

MONROE– On May 21, 2026, Stanquan Lavelle Shaw, a.k.a. “Munchie,” a 36-year-old Ouachita Parish man, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and to possessing that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In addition to his prison sentence, Shaw will serve five years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.

According to court documents, officers of the Monroe Police Department saw Shaw driving in Monroe and attempted to stop him based on Shaw’s having outstanding warrants. Shaw fled from law enforcement, ultimately crashing his car into a person’s parked car and fleeing on foot. Officers caught Shaw during his flight and arrested him. While investigating the scene, officers recovered methamphetamine from Shaw’s car, a 9mm bullet in his pocket, and a firearm recovered from a puddle along his flight path that officers found using a police dog.  By law, Shaw was not allowed to possess firearms because he had prior felony convictions for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery with a Firearm and for Simple Robbery. 

The Monroe Police Department, West Monroe Police Department, Ouachita Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot. 

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 25-cr-00269.

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Public Affairs 

United States Attorney’s Office                             

Western District of Louisiana                                

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

SHREVEPORT– On May 21, 2026, Alvieyle Moore, a 40-year-old inmate at the Jackson Parish Jail, was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to perpetrating a hoax relating to purported chemical weapons directed at the United States Supreme Court. In addition to his prison sentence, Moore will serve three years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.

According to court documents, Moore mailed a threatening letter to the Supreme Court of the United States that falsely claimed to be laced with fentanyl that would kill its reader. The letter, which contained approximately one tablespoon of a white, powdery substance and stated, “IF You Are Reading this you are gonna die soon because this letter is laced with Fentanyl!!”, caused the evacuation of the Supreme Court’s warehouse facility and prompted a hazardous materials team response.

The Supreme Court of the United States Police - Protective Intelligence Unit, United States Secret Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Ginger Green. 

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 25-cr-00257.

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Public Affairs 

United States Attorney’s Office

Western District of Louisiana                                

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE, LA – In celebration of Freedom 250, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana presented the Alexandria Police Department’s Chief of Police Chad Gremillion with the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award on May 20, 2026. The award recognizes public officials who have demonstrated steadfast commitment to service and who embody the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.      

“Freedom 250 is an opportunity to recognize and reflect upon the values that define our Nation: service, sacrifice, and community,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Chief Gremillion exemplifies those values through his dedication to public safety and his continued commitment to serving the citizens of Alexandria.”

Police Chief Gremillion began his law enforcement career at the Alexandria Police Department in 1995. While working for the Alexandria Police, Chief Gremillion worked as a patrol officer and was assigned to the traffic division.  In 1999, Chief Gremillion graduated from the Louisiana State Police Training Academy and began his career as  a Louisiana State Trooper assigned to Troop E.  While employed with the Louisiana State Police, Chief Gremillion served in uniform patrol, criminal investigations, intelligence division, and the special victims unit.     

During his time as a trooper and federal task force officer, Chief Gremillion was awarded the Louisiana State Police “Trooper of the Year” and received a lifesaving award, among other commendations. Chief Gremillion retired from the Louisiana State Police in 2023, and, that same year Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy appointed him as the Interim Chief of Police for the Alexandria Police Department. Chief Gremillion is a past board member of the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center and Metanoia Manor for victims of human trafficking, and he and his family attend Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church where he is the chair of the Pastoral Council.

The United States Attorney’s Offices in Shreveport and Lafayette also celebrated Freedom 250 by participating in the gift-in-kind charity drives by collecting and donating food and clothing to individuals and families in need. In Lafayette, the clothing collected was donated to the Lovewell Center, while business attire was donated to the University of Louisiana Career Closet to assist individuals preparing to enter the workforce. In Shreveport, the Office collected over 400 pounds of food as part of a non-perishable food drive to support the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank.  

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CONTACT

Public Affairs 

United States Attorney’s Office                             

Western District of Louisiana                                

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE – On May 26, 2026, Rylekwun J. Poullard, a 29-year-old Lake Charles resident, was ordered detained after being charged by criminal complaint with the production of child pornography in connection with his preying upon young boys in South Louisiana. If indicted and convicted, Poullard faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison and up to 30 years for the charge.

According to evidence presented in court, Poullard, who was a volunteer sports coach in the Lake Charles area, used an Instagram account in which he posed as an adult female named “Brianna” to trick young boys to produce child pornography, offering them money to create photos and videos of themselves engaging in sex acts and to recruit their siblings as well. At least three of victims were boys residing in South Louisiana, with Poullard offering the boys money to perform sex acts and, for two of the boys, to get their brothers involved in the pornographic activity. Poullard was caught after a parent reported the activity to police after finding explicit messages on a victim’s cell phone and police investigated, securing search warrants for Poullard’s electronic devices that uncovered the activity that, by his own admission, had gone on for roughly a year and a half. Poullard was detained pending trial as a danger to the community.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Rayne Police Department, and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon II with assistance from Legal Administrative Specialist Tanya Broussard.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 26-mj-00116-01.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                  USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                         www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                            Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE– On May 18, 2026, the United States Senate confirmed Zachary A. Keller as the United States Attorney of the Western District of Louisiana (WDLA), a role he assumed in September 2025 on an interim basis.

“Since beginning my service, I’ve woken up every morning with the mindset that serving my home as United States Attorney is the most important and impactful public service I’ll ever perform, and it’s been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside my WDLA colleagues to keep our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Keller. “I thank President Trump for honoring me with the opportunity to continue serving my home community, and I look forward to the work that’s ahead.”

A West Monroe native, Mr. Keller graduated from George Welch Elementary, West Monroe Middle School, and West Monroe High School before attending Louisiana State University and Yale Law School. After law school, Mr. Keller began his career at Jones Day’s Dallas office before beginning his work in public service in 2016. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Mr. Keller served as a Deputy Chief and Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator in the Major Crimes section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, where he also served in the Civil, Appellate, and Criminal divisions and prosecuted crimes that ranged from manslaughter and carjacking to money laundering and child exploitation. He resides in Youngsville with his wife and two young children, and they volunteer with the Sunday school program at Asbury United Methodist Church.

As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Keller oversees the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States in the Western District of Louisiana. The Western District consists of 42 of the State’s 64 parishes and geographically encompasses two-thirds of the State of Louisiana.   

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CONTACT

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana 

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

SHREVEPORT– In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. The week is observed May 10 through May 16, 2026.

“During National Police Week, we pause to honor the courageous men and women of law enforcement who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities—and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said United States Attorney Keller. “Our Office and community are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our local, state, and federal officers who keep us safe while serving with integrity, courage, and honor.”

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche kicked off National Police Week 2026 by hosting a breakfast at the Department of Justice to honor law enforcement officers and their families, emphasizing a message of "we love law enforcement". He celebrated their daily work, stating that the week is meant to honor the fallen while recognizing those who "keep us safe every day".

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

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

In 2025, there were 111 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers that died in the line of duty., representing 25% decrease from the 148 deaths in 2024.  Of those officers who died, 53 were feloniously killed. There were 44 firearm related incidents, 34 from traffic related deaths and 33 other causes including health-related, etc. Demographically, the average age of fallen officers was 44, with an average of 14 years of service.  Five of those officers who died in the line of duty were from Louisiana.

For National Police Week 2026, a total of 363 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

On today, May 13, 2026, 109 names of law enforcement officers  killed in the line of duty during 2025 will be formally dedicated during the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil held in Washington, D.C.  You can view it livestream:

• YouTube: YouTube.com/NLEOMF

• Facebook: Facebook.com/NLEOMF

• LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/national-law-enforcement-officers-memorial-fund

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

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CONTACT

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

SHREVEPORT– On May 7, a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned a thirty-four count indictment charging several former managers of the Catahoula Parish Correctional Center (“CPCC”) with crimes relating to the use of an electrified riot shield to shock and crush 13 handcuffed, non-resisting prisoners:

• Jeremy Wiley, 44 of Harrisonburg, the former Warden of CPCC, was charged with 13 counts of abuse of rights under color of law for using the electrified riot shield to shock and crush the 13 handcuffed, non-resisting prisoners.

• Gary Allen, 57 of Winnsboro, CPCC’s former Assistant Warden, William Savage, 57 of Monroe, CPCC’s former Colonel, and James Wathen, 37 of Jonesville, CPCC’s former chief of security, were charged with 13 counts of abuse of rights for their failures to intervene to stop the assaults.

• Chad Littleton, 45 of Harrisonburg, a former Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, was charged with one count of abuse of rights for striking a prisoner in the head and genitals.

All five men were also charged with conspiring to violate the rights of the prisoners as well as falsifying reports about the incident. Allen also faces one count of witness tampering. In addition, on April 14, Carl Michael Williamson, 40 of Jonesville, a former CPCC transportation officer, pleaded guilty in a related case to one count of abuse of rights under color of law for striking one of the inmates in the head and one count of falsifying a report which covered up the abuse of the 13 prisoners.

The defendants face up to ten years imprisonment on the abuse of rights and conspiracy counts, and up to twenty years imprisonment on the false report and witness tampering offenses.

“The facts as alleged dishonor the men and women who put their safety on the line every day to maintain order in our prison system, and they are a disgraceful abuse of the trust that we place in them to treat people in prison with dignity and respect,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “The Department of Justice will zealously investigate and prosecute any officer—no matter their title or rank—who tarnishes the badge worn by the brave men and women of Louisiana’s law enforcement community.”

“The FBI will not tolerate law enforcement officers’ criminal abuse and mistreatment of prisoners in their custody,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “We will diligently investigate allegations such as these and hold the perpetrators accountable. The FBI is grateful for its law enforcement partners and especially the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana for its work on this case.”

According to court documents, on February 1, 2024, then-Warden Wiley used an electrified riot shield to shock and crush 13 men in the custody of CPCC while they were handcuffed, compliant, and subdued by pepper spray in a CPCC recreation yard.  Allen, Savage, and Wathen, who were high-ranking supervisors at the facility, had the means and opportunity to stop the abuse but instead chose not to intervene. Littleton and Williamson continued the assault by also striking prisoners.  All six of the men wrote false reports to cover up what happened, and Allen continued the obstructive activity by tampering with a witness. Before the assault, the 13 prisoners had been housed in “Cell 12,” a cell containing six beds, for several days. The prisoners were transported to the rec yard where the assault occurred shortly after they started a non-violent protest regarding their overcrowded living conditions.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Johnson and LaDonte Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Tanya Broussard.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for United States v. Jeremy Wiley et al. is 26-CR-00190, and the case number for United States v. Carl Williamson is 26-CR-00127.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                  USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                         www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                            Twitter @USAO_WDLA

SHREVEPORT– On April 27, 2026, Felanda Ashton, a 53-year-old Shreveport resident, was sentenced to 211 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking activity. In addition to his prison sentence, Ashton will serve five years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) received a tip that Shreveport resident Ashton was selling a large amount of methamphetamine from his vehicle. Caddo Parish SO located 187.1 grams of pure methamphetamine in his vehicle following a traffic stop. A subsequent tip claimed Ashton was continuing his drug operation out of his daughter’s home. When officers attempted to execute an arrest warrant, Ashton fled scene and threw a fanny pack containing 84.7 grams of methamphetamine, suspected Klonopin pills and 10 blue pills containing fentanyl. Officers also located a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle.

The DEA investigated this case with assistance from the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-cr-00234.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE– On April 30, 2026, Moses Hernandez, a 34-year-old former Lafayette resident, was sentenced to 228 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography. In addition to his prison sentence, Hernandez will serve 25 years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.

Evidence presented in court showed that in July 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received a tip that Hernandez had confessed to an acquaintance that he had molested a young girl and produced material of the molestation. Using the information, the FBI found Hernandez, who then resided in Lafayette, and opened an investigation. During investigation, the FBI obtained a warrant to search Hernandez’s cell phone. The search of his cell phone revealed images and videos that included child rape, bestiality, and other forms of graphic child pornography.

The FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 25-cr-00257.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE – On April 30, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Sadiq Rauf Perry, a 27-year-old Virginia-based naval serviceman, by criminal complaint with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Perry faces 10 years up to life in federal prison for the charge.

“This case is every parent’s worst nightmare, and our Office deeply appreciates our law enforcement partners’ quick action that led to the recovery of this minor girl. The case is also a reminder to every parent that we must not only be vigilant in our children’s use of the Internet but must also act quickly to report situations where a child may be taken in by one of these predators,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “The tragedy of these cases is that the criminal acts are not something we can take away or undo. That said, we look forward to prosecuting this matter to the fullest extent of the law to ensure accountability and deterrence for these heinous acts and remind our community of the importance of being vigilant as parents and neighbors.”

"The FBI worked closely with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office to find this teen and bring her home safely," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "It is critical for parents and children to understand the dangers of communicating with strangers online. In this case, the family acted quickly and that helped us prevent what could have been a tragic outcome."

As alleged in court documents, this case arose from a parent reporting her 14-year-old daughter to have run away from home after the mother found her engaging in inappropriate communications with someone online claiming to be 18 years old. Shortly after taking her phone and grounding her, the parent realized her daughter to be gone. Law enforcement found that a rideshare transported the 14-year-old to the airport, and she boarded a flight for Norfolk, VA. Both the rideshare and airline flight were purchased by Perry.  Perry ensured the minor victim would be able to board the flight without suspicion by providing a fictitious date of birth for her that falsely represented her to be old enough to travel unaccompanied.

Law enforcement secured video surveillance showing the minor to have flown from Lafayette to Virginia and to have been picked up by Perry, who was driving a vehicle registered to him. Law enforcement tracked Perry to a hotel where law enforcement found both Perry and the minor sharing a room with one bed. The minor later disclosed that Perry and she had sexual intercourse at the hotel.

This case is being investigated by the New Orleans and Norfolk Field Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Virginia Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Sarver with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 26-mj-00116-01.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                  USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                         www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                            Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE – Today, United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller highlights a dozen recent prosecutions in the Western District of Louisiana involving serious child exploitation crimes. These cases span the entire District and include charges such as  interstate transportation of minors to engage in illegal sexual activity, coercion and enticement of minors to produce child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”), and the receipt, production, and distribution of CSAM as well.

“The defendants charged in these cases span not only our 42-parish District but also the spectrum of predators that require our vigilance as law enforcement and as parents: people in positions of trust like teachers and National Guardsmen, recidivist sex offenders, people using AI to generate child pornography using our children’s faces or preying upon children they meet on video game platforms, and people paying others to abuse children at their instruction or transporting them across state lines to abuse them. Our message in prosecuting these cases and highlighting them here is simple: we as Louisianans, as parents, and as families have had enough of this awful abuse and are committed to seeing those who perpetrate these acts brought to justice.” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “We look forward to seeing justice done in these significant cases and to continuing our work alongside our federal and state partners to make our Louisiana community safe for our children.”

"Children should be able to trust adults and when that trust is shattered by predators, the FBI and our partner law enforcement agencies will work with prosecutors to see that justice is done," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI is committed to doing whatever it can to protect our most vulnerable victims."

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans remains steadfast in our mission to protect children from predators in our communities and online,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of HSI New Orleans. “The scale and complexity of these crimes have increased, making teamwork essential. Partnerships with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and other Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force partners are critical to identifying, investigating, and bringing offenders to justice, and ensuring survivors receive the support they need to heal.”

The following cases highlight ongoing efforts to protect children and hold offenders accountable in the Western District:

           In the Lafayette area:

• Christie Elizabeth Dunbar Oster, 38 of Broussard, was indicted for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Oster, an eighth-grade teacher who was named Teacher of the Year in 2025, is charged with having maintained a sexual relationship with a minor victim during most of 2024.  As alleged, Oster formed a sexual relationship with one of her eighth-grade students by meeting with her outside of school hours and using their cell phone communications not only to engage in sexual discussions but also to instruct the minor victim to do things like deleting text messages to avoid detection by the minor victim’s parents or others.  Oster faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison if convicted. This matter is being investigated by FBI and is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills. The case number is No. 26-CR-00158. 

• Luxe Arlen Thomas, 19 of Scott, was indicted for producing child pornography, interstate transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and other CSAM-related crimes.  Thomas, who was a U.S. National Guardsman, engaged in a monthslong pattern of abuse against a minor girl whom he understood to have intellectual disabilities and to be in the foster system, with Thomas traveling to another state to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her and then transporting her back to Louisiana to do the same, producing and possessing images of sexually explicit conduct as he did so.  Thomas faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison if convicted. This matter is being investigated by HSI and Louisiana Bureau of Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon with assistance from Legal Assistant Tanya Broussard. The case number is 26-CR-00164.

• Rickey James Hebert, 66 of Abbeville, was indicted for conspiracy to produce child pornography, attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and receipt of child pornography.  As alleged, Hebert was paying a Filipina woman to create live videos of minor children being sexually abused and otherwise engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Hebert faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon. The case number is No. 6:26-CR-00151.

• Scott Nicholas Martel, 36 of Basile, was indicted for receiving and possessing CSAM. As alleged, Martel falsely portrayed himself online as having access to minors by using online names such as “BaileyMomof2daughters” to secure CSAM from other users in internet-based chat rooms. A search of Martel’s phone in February 2026 revealed a trove of CSAM he received in this way, as well as AI-generated pornographic materials involving Martel’s use of pictures available online of minor children living in his area. Martel faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The FBI is investigating this case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Cassidy with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon. The case number is 26-CR-00095.

• Michael Roy Williams, 61 of Opelousas, was indicted in two separate cases, one charging him for possessing an explosive device and the other for possessing CSAM.  These cases arose from St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives receiving information indicating that Williams possessed child pornography. After they obtained a search warrant for Williams’ smartphone, detectives then learned that Williams possessed an explosive device, which they recovered from his residence after securing another search warrant. Williams faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge.  These matters are being investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills. The case numbers are 26-CR-00152 and 26-CR-00153.

• Donald W. Bergeron, 42 of Broussard, was indicted on Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography.  As alleged, Bergeron, who has a prior conviction for incest with a child, used social media messaging applications and cloud-based file storage services to send, receive, and save images of CSAM.  Bergeron faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison if convicted.  The case is being investigated by the FBI and Louisiana Bureau of Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Ashley Hammons with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon. The case number is 26-CR-00154. 

• Cody Allen Bell, 34 of Carencro, was indicted for receiving and possessing CSAM.  The investigation stems from a tip provided to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) by an encrypted messaged application, with the tip advising that someone attempted to upload CSAM to the messaging application.  NCMEC forwarded the tip to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations for further investigation, and detectives identified Bell as the individual utilizing the messaging application.  Detectives executed search warrants on Bell’s account as well as a cloud-based storage account that he utilized and his cellular telephone and located CSAM in all locations.  Bell faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison if convicted. This matter is being investigated by the FBI and Louisiana Bureau of Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren S. Sarver with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills. The case number is 26-CR-00160.

          In the Lake Charles area:

• Victor Gomes, 25 of Texas, was charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity after traveling from Texas to meet a minor girl at a Lake Charles-area park to transport her back to Texas to engage in sexual activity. As it would turn out, Gomes had been communicating with an undercover FBI agent, and  after he was caught in an FBI sting operation trying to meet a minor girl in Lake Charles, planning to transport her back to Texas.  If convicted, Gomes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. This matter is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Sarver with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills. The case number is 26-CR-00108.

• Oscar Rodriguez, 38 of Lake Charles, involved Rodriguez attempting to meet a 14-year-old girl at a Lake Charles-area hotel to engage in sexual activity only to find that it was an undercover operation. Rodriguez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life if convicted. This matter is being investigated by FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon II with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle. The case number is 26-CR-00103.

  In the Shreveport area:

• Darryl Hawkins, 43 of Shreveport, was indicted for attempting to coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity. As alleged, Hawkins communicated via social media platform with an undercover FBI agent posing as a 14-year-old girl, ultimately traveling to a local park in the Shreveport area to meet the purported minor after engaging in sexual discussions online. Hawkins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted.  This matter is being investigated by the FBI and Shreveport Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Stewart.  The case number is 26-CR-00133.

• Joshua Bixby, 22 of Shreveport, was indicted for producing child pornography.  The indictment stems from a complaint by a minor female alleging that Bixby solicited her to produce and send sexually explicit images via a social media platform, with an FBI investigation identifying additional victims, ages 12-16 whom Bixby solicited on the same platform. If convicted, Bixby faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison.  This matter is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell with the assistance from Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Stewart.   The case number is 26-CR-00134.

  In the Monroe area:

• Ronnie Carlton Rogers, 41 of California, was indicted for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Rogers, who was previously convicted of child sexual abuse, is alleged to have targeted a minor girl under the age of 12 in northeast Louisiana through a video game, meeting the girl and engaging in sexual discussions while instructing her to expose herself to him. Rogers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted.  The case is being investigated by the Monroe, Louisiana and San Francisco, California offices of the FBI, West Monroe Police Department, Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office and the California State Probation Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot. The case number is 26-CR-00149.

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

These investigations are a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under each case’s respective case number.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE– On April 21, 2026, Nicholas J. Miller, a 45-year-old Youngsville resident, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, after his January 2026 conviction for distribution of child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”).

Evidence presented in court showed that in July 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received information that Miller had shared CSAM with Brad William Blanchard, another pedophile and former resident of Abbeville who was prosecuted separately in this District and sentenced in November 2025 to 150 months in prison. The FBI opened an investigation and confirmed that Miller had distributed CSAM to Blanchard. When arrested, Miller admitted that he had created social media accounts and enticed minors to provide him with sexual abuse material and that he had captured CSAM on hidden cameras, with Miller distributing the CSAM to Blanchard.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-CR-00258.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE– On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a four-count indictment charging Kelsi J. McDaniel, a 29-year-old Lake Providence resident, with one count of embezzling from the East Carroll Parish Housing Authority (“ECPHA”) and three counts of concealment money laundering relating to that embezzlement. McDaniel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the federal program theft charge, up to 20 years in federal prison for the money laundering charges, and three years of supervised release for each count.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

“Agencies like ECPHA serve some of the most vulnerable members of our Louisiana communities, and frauds like the one allegedly perpetrated by Ms. McDaniel strike at the heart of those agencies’ ability to do their work,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office and federal partners look forward to seeing justice done in this case.”

“Kelsi McDaniel’s alleged actions exploited her position and violated the public trust by stealing federal funds that were intended to help provide housing for the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jerome Winkle with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust to defraud HUD programs.”

According to court documents, McDaniel served as the Executive Director of ECPHA, a Louisiana state agency that received funding from HUD. In that role, McDaniel was the authorized signatory for ECPHA’s Bank 1 account, with that account receiving HUD funds to promote HUD’s housing support mission. To execute her scheme, McDaniel would transfer ECPHA funds from its Bank 1 account into her personal Bank 1 account and then transfer the funds from that account to CashApps belonging to others, who would then transfer the money back to her.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheyenne Wilson with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 26-CR-00148.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE– On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a four-count indictment charging Jane Frances Pierce, a 63-year-old Boyce resident, with mail fraud, filing false tax returns, corruptly interfering with an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) investigation, and money laundering. Pierce faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the mail fraud charge, up to 10 years in federal prison for the money laundering charge, three years in federal prison for the tax fraud and corrupt interference charges, and three years of supervised release for the mail fraud and money laundering counts.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

According to court documents, Pierce filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, claiming a total of almost $10 million in refunds.  Pierce obtained more than $1 million from the IRS and used the funds for personal expenses, including purchasing a house and vehicle for herself, repaying a personal loan, and paying her relatives’ mortgages.  When the IRS attempted to recover the refunds Pierce fraudulently obtained, she obstructed the agency’s efforts by filing a false amended tax return, mailing the IRS a fake check, and filing a false court document.

The IRS – Criminal Investigations investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Western District of Louisiana and Isaiah Boyd of the Criminal Division Tax Section with assistance from Legal Assistant Tanya Broussard.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 26-CR-00147.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE– On April 23, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Jakob Marcoulier, a 22-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Polk, by criminal complaint with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce after he told people on the platform Discord that he would kill Jewish people in a synagogue. Marcoulier faces up to 5 years in federal prison for the charge.

“Threats against synagogues and Jewish Americans are threats to the religious freedom promised to every single one of us, and this Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting those freedoms,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This case demonstrates the FBI’s vigilance and swift action in identifying and taking action against those who perpetrate these threats, and our Office looks forward to seeing justice done in this case.”

“The FBI is focused on preventing violent hate crime attacks and disrupting violent criminal plots, before they occur," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "Once the concerned citizen reached out to 1-800-CALL-FBI to report this situation, FBI Special Agents in Birmingham and New Orleans, and our partners in the U.S. Army, acted swiftly in this case. This is a perfect example of how the public is law enforcement's greatest partner."

According to court documents, FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received an online tip in February 2026 about a Discord user named “el.bostino” who had made threats toward synagogues. FBI secured recorded audio from Discord in which the individual, later determined to be Marcoulier, made these threats, stating among other things that “after this deployment if the Jews still have reign over our government, I am going to walk into a synagogue with my AK, with a 75-round drum mag, and all of my extra mags, with my level four plates, and my haka helmet that’s three plus, and I am going to kill every single Jew I know inside of that synagogue. And that’s my goal in life.” Marcoulier went on to emphasize the seriousness of his threats, saying among other things that “you guys will never do anything about but I will. I just have to finish this, I have to go back overseas and do what I have to do. And then you'll see me in the news. I promise you,” and that “you guys don’t want to do anything for the f[***]ing cause when it actually needs to happen … I’ll still kill these mother[***]ers in order to make sure the white youth is f[***]ing secured.” Marcoulier was arrested on April 23.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The FBI investigated this case alongside the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (DACID). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Nickel with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 26-mj-00108-01.

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 CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                  USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                         www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                            Twitter @USAO_WDLA

SHREVEPORT– On April 23, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Michael Mayence, a 54-year-old Shreveport resident, by criminal complaint with illegally possessing a firearm while being subject to a domestic violence injunction. Mayence faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the charge.

“Shamar Elkins’ heinous acts have shined a bright light on the danger that domestic violence presents, and the fact that he fled to the home of a man who himself illegally possessed firearms while being subject to a domestic violence order reflects the need to deter this illegal conduct,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This ongoing investigation shows our Office’s commitment alongside our law enforcement partners to fully investigate this tragic situation.”

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)’s mission is to prevent, reduce, and solve violent crime, especially firearm related  violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “This arrest by ATF is to prevent further risk to the public from an individual who is prohibited to have firearms and demonstrated to law enforcement, through the ongoing mass shooting investigation, as a continued threat to public safety.”

After committing a mass shooting on April 19, 2026, Shamar Elkins fled from law enforcement to his associate Mayence’s home in Bossier Parish. After the scene was made safe, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Mayence’s home, which revealed that several firearms were inside the home. A review of Mayence’s criminal history revealed that he had been subject to an active domestic violence protection order since October 2024, with the order having been served on Mayence in December 2024 and lasting until May 2026, all of which prohibits him from possessing firearms under federal law.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

ATF investigated this case alongside the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 26-mj-00107-01.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                  USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                         www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                            Twitter @USAO_WDLA

SHREVEPORT– On April 21, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Charles Ford, a 56-year-old Shreveport resident, by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement to federal agents, with the firearm and false statement charges relating to a firearm that Shamar Elkins used to perpetrate his April 19 mass shooting. Ford faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the felon-in-possession charge and up to five years in federal prison for the false statement charge.

“Words fall short in the face of the acts Shamar Elkins perpetrated in Shreveport on April 19—they are beyond comprehension or description. Our law enforcement partners are investigating every angle of how this tragedy came to occur, and this case arises from that investigation—in particular, how Elkins secured a firearm that he used to execute his own children,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Elkins’ death means that our community will never see him face justice. Our hope, as we continue to investigate and prosecute this case alongside our law enforcement partners, is that holding the person whose gun Elkins used to perpetrate the crime accountable will give some small bit of solace to our Shreveport community.”

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) is engaged and committed to holding people accountable for illegal possession and use of firearms that harm our community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Holding people accountable does not stop with the person who pulled the trigger but also includes those who give access to and proliferate firearms that are later used in violent crime.”

According to allegations set forth in court documents, ATF and the Shreveport Police Department began investigating a firearms trace on the rifle below, which Elkins used to perpetrate his mass shooting:

When law enforcement interviewed the original purchaser, that person identified Ford as the person to whom she’d given it. Ford, a convicted felon not permitted to possess firearms, initially lied to ATF agents about possessing the firearm, claiming he never did. Ford later admitted that he did possess the firearm, claiming that he kept the firearm under his seat. Ford further admitted to believing that Elkins took possession of the firearm.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

ATF investigated this case alongside the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 26-mj-00104-01.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                  USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                         www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                            Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LEESVILLE, Louisiana – On April 9, 2026, Clinton Nathaniel Johnson, a 37-year-old Leesville resident, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison and immediately remanded to federal custody after previously pleading guilty to a felony for intentionally setting wildfires in the Kisatchie National Forest. In addition to his prison sentence, Johnson was ordered to pay $39,094 in restitution for fire response costs and will serve two years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.

“Wildfires pose a grave threat to life and property, and there must be consequences for anyone reckless enough to intentionally set them,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our community is extremely fortunate that no injuries or property damage resulted from the 19 illegal fires set by Mr. Johnson, and we are grateful to our firefighters and first responders for their swift and effective actions. This case shows our Office’s commitment alongside our law enforcement partners to identify perpetrators of this reckless and dangerous crime and hold those perpetrators accountable with felony charges.”

The following photo depicts one of the fires that Mr. Johnson set:

Evidence presented in court showed that approximately 19 intentional fires were ignited in the Kisatchie National Forest between May and July 2025 that investigators linked to Johnson through patterns such as distinctive stormproof matches that were recovered at multiple scenes. Several of these fires burned significant portions of the Kisatchie, including three fires that separately consumed approximately 150 acres, 75 acres, and 35 acres. Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of federal and state fire personnel, all fires were contained without injury or structural damage.

In August 2025, federal and state agents executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence. Agents located the same brand and type of stormproof matches recovered at the fire scenes during the search, and investigators also recovered video evidence showing Johnson purchasing the matches. Johnson later admitted to igniting the fires by throwing matches from his vehicle while traveling on roads through the forest.

The United States Forest Service investigated this case with assistance from the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Denise Duhon and Ginger Green.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 2:25-cr-00237-01.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

SHREVEPORT– On April 1, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana charged Anthony Dillon, Jr., 19, and James Dale Smith IV, 21, both of Columbia, with arson after the two burned down the only Catholic church in Caldwell Parish the Friday before Holy Week was set to begin. If convicted, the two men face a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of federal supervision, and a fine of $250,000.

“Worshiping where we choose is a fundamental liberty woven into the founding fabric of this Nation, and these two men are alleged to have destroyed the sole church in Caldwell Parish where its Catholic residents could meet and worship right before the holiest week in the church calendar,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office looks forward to seeking and securing justice for the residents of Caldwell Parish here and hope that this case shows our rural communities that we remain present and vigilant in serving and protecting them.”

As alleged in court documents, Dillon and Smith were residing in a home that was stealing electricity from the church and sold a broken television set to another Columbia resident in the days leading up to the arson. After the church disrupted the electricity theft and the men’s customer contacted them about the broken television, Dillon and Smith showed up to the church in the early hours of March 27, 2026, breaking a window with a baseball bat to gain entry to the church. After ransacking the church’s electronic equipment, including the theft of at least three televisions and a sound system, the men set the church ablaze. When law enforcement arrived after a 911 call reported the church to be on fire, they found the church burning down:

By the time the fire was extinguished, the church’s interior was largely destroyed:

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating this case with assistance from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, the Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 26-mj-00089.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA   

LAFAYETTE– On March 31, 2026, former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (“LDWF”) Jack Montoucet pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by corruptly soliciting and accepting kickbacks in return for being influenced in awarding state contracts and committing wire fraud. Montoucet faces up to five years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

“The citizens of Louisiana deserve and demand honesty and integrity from those entrusted with public office, including when they contract for services on behalf of our Louisiana communities,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Officeholders like Mr. Montoucet who abuse that trust undermine confidence in government and the public contracting process, and our Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these abuses and see that offenders face justice.”

"Mr. Montoucet helped a co-conspirator get a lucrative state contract to provide online courses for kickbacks," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "Thankfully, there are still good people out there who reached out to the FBI and local law enforcement to report this illegal activity.  The FBI and our partners will continue to ensure public officials honor the public’s trust."

“Public officials are entrusted with serving the people – not enriching themselves.  Today’s guilty plea makes clear that the defendant abused that trust by engaging in a scheme to manipulate the contract process and steer contracts for personal gain,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge Demetrius D. Hardeman.  “We will continue to work in concert with our partner organizations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold accountable those who exploit their official positions for personal profit.”

According to court documents, Montoucet agreed, while Secretary of the LDWF, to steer a LDWF contract to a company called DGL1, LLC, in exchange for one-third of the profit that would result from the contract, with the other two-thirds divided between Montoucet’s two conspirators, Dusty Guidry and Leonard Franques. On January 27, 2021, Montoucet caused LDWF to award a no-bid contract to DGL1 to provide online hunter and boater education courses. Then, when the Louisiana Department of Administration, Office of Special Procurement raised concerns about the no-bid contract, the LDWF put out a public bid for the contract that Montoucet influenced for DGL1 to win. Then, on October 8, 2021, Montoucet acted on behalf of LDWF as Secretary to sign a contract with DGL1 to provide the hunter and boater classes, knowing he was to receive bribery kickbacks from the contract. A month later, Montoucet met with Franques and Guidry to discuss how to conceal and disguise the source, ownership, and payout of these kickbacks, with the parties agreeing that Franques would hold Montoucet’s portion until after he’d departed LDWF and then pay it to him as a “signing bonus” to Montoucet for consulting work.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Myers P. Namie, Lauren L. Nickel, and LaDonte A. Murphy, along with Trial Attorney Alex Dempsey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice and with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 25-cr-00134.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

 LAFAYETTE, LA – Today, United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller, together with federal partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced five significant HSTF drug trafficking cases charged by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana (“USAO”) that it charged between mid-February and mid-March and that involved the arrest of illegal aliens and local gang members who were trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the District.

“The five HSTF cases we’re announcing today, which involve over a dozen defendants and hundreds of kilograms of hard drugs, show how our federal and state partners are disrupting major drug trafficking operations that impact every corner of this District,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office is laser-focused on HSTF’s mission to stamp out every foothold that transnational criminal organizations like the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel and Gulf Cartel make in peddling poisons like fentanyl and methamphetamine in our communities. And for traffickers still operating in our Louisiana communities, the message here is simple: we’re doing everything we can to come for you, and when we do you’re going to be facing charges that can land you in prison for decades.”

“The Homeland Security Task Forces led by FBI and HSI integrate federal, state, and local law enforcement to focus targeted investigations on Foreign Terrorist Organization-designated drug cartels and transnational gangs," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office.  "This criminal organization led by Mr. Baker tried to flood our streets with illegal drugs and poison our people.  However, the HSTF is effectively rooting these groups out of Louisiana.”

“Whether it is concealed in ice cream machines or hidden in the cab of an 18-wheeler, the DEA and our partners are seeing right through the deceptive tactics of these criminal organizations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “Removing nearly 550 pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine from the supply chain in just two stops is a massive victory for public safety. We remain relentless in our mission to dismantle these networks and protect our communities from the violence and addiction these traffickers bring to our doorstep.”

“Investigations like this one show the power of true partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright, Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans. “Working with the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Task Force and the DEA, HSI helped take 15 kilograms of cocaine off the streets and ensure the defendants in this case will face justice. Whether narcotics are crossing our borders or transiting through the United States, HSI will continue to use the HSTF model and our vital partnerships to follow the evidence, dismantle cartel-driven networks, and protect our communities from the violence and devastation caused by illegal drugs.”

The following five cases build upon HSTF’s cases in the Vernon Parish and Natchitoches areas that the USAO has prosecuted recently:

In the Shreveport area, the matter United States v. Willie Baker et al., No. 25-cr-00296, involves 10 defendants trafficking kilogram quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and methamphetamine from transnational criminal organizations through Houston and ultimately to Shreveport. This case charges that one death resulted from the fentanyl trafficking and that two of the defendants, including Willie Lee Baker, have prior drug trafficking convictions that expose them to higher mandatory minimum and maximum penalties. If convicted, the defendants face sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. The case is being investigated by FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Shreveport Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Sam Crichton with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.

The following images depict some of the narcotics and guns involved in this case:

In Breaux Bridge area, the matter United States v. Ranulfo Garcia Rodriguez and Christian Antonio Sanchez Ramirez, No. 26-cr-00070, involves two Mexican nationals towing several ice cream freezers concealing several fabricated metal boxes, which were welded to the back wall of the insulated freezer compartment. Inside of the metal boxes, agents located approximately 147 kilograms of methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendants face sentences that range from 10 years to life in federal prison. The matter is being investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

The following images depict the ice cream machine and the methamphetamine it was concealing:

In the Lafayette area, the matter United States v. Lance Fields and Ronald Adams, Jr., No. 26-cr-00102, involves an 18-wheeler found to be trafficking approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in a hidden compartment inside of the cab of the 18-wheeler. If convicted, the defendants face sentences that range from 10 years to life in federal prison. The matter is being investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

The following are a few images of the cocaine recovered in this investigation:

In the Lake Charles area, the matter United States v. Juan Francisco Gonzalez de Leon et al., No. 26-cr-00106, involves two Mexican nationals conspiring with another person to traffic approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine on behalf of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). The three were stopped by members of the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Taskforce (“CAT”) and arrested in February and then indicted in March. The matter is being investigated by HSI and CAT and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

The following is an image of the cocaine recovered in this investigation: 

In the Alexandria area, the matter United States v. Elijah Jones, No. 26-cr-00074, involves the trafficking of approximately 6.2 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1 kilogram of oxycodone pills, as well as approximately $34,000 in cash, that were concealed in a storage unit in Alexandria. The matter is being investigated by FBI and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement group at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

The following is an image of the narcotics and cash recovered in this investigation: 

These cases reflect the USAO’s ongoing priority to vigorously enforce federal laws designed to protect law enforcement officers, our judicial process, and those who serve the administration of justice. Federal law provides significant penalties for threats, assaults, and obstruction of officers and court personnel, and those who violate these statutes will be held accountable.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region 15 (New Orleans) comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana.

Indictments are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONTACT

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE– On March 16, 2026, Brooke Miller Duck (formerly “Brooke Miller Tauzin”), a 31-year-old resident of Midland, Texas (and former resident of Arnaudville, Louisiana), pled guilty to embezzling more than $500,000 from her medical clinic employer to make personal purchases. Duck now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. 

“Brooke Duck now faces justice after spending years betraying the trust of her employer and treating that employer’s bank accounts like her own personal slush fund,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Frauds perpetrated by people like Mrs. Duck erode the trust that our Louisiana small businesses need to perform their critical work, and our Office stands ready to prosecute those abuses.”

According to court documents, Duck was employed by two medical clinics with offices in Lafayette and Baton Rouge and had access to the clinics’ credit cards and bank accounts. Between May 2020 and October 2023, Duck used the clinics’ credit cards for unauthorized, personal expenses and purchases, including a $15,000 payment for a time-share vacation property. She then used funds drawn from the clinics’ bank accounts to pay the credit card balances associated with those purchases. Over the course of her scheme, Duck caused $539,451.41 in unauthorized transactions on the clinics’ credit cards for her personal use and financial gain.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Daniel Siefker, Jr., with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:26-cr-00096.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

SHREVEPORT– On March 3, 2026, a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned a three-count indictment charging Justin Chadwick Butler, a 31-year-old Shreveport resident, with cyberstalking and threatening the Speaker of the House of Representatives and threatening the President of the United States. Butler faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for each count.

“Threats against public officials and our Nation’s leaders are threats to our democracy and our American way of life, and we will not tolerate them,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “For those who would use the mask of internet anonymity to threaten others, the message here is clear: our many state and federal law enforcement partners will track you down, and you will face justice.”

According to court documents, Butler used social media accounts to make a slew of menacing posts directed toward the Speaker while often tagging the Speaker’s social media account directly. These postings included stating, for example, that the Speaker “couldnt [sic] lie so smoothly with bullet holes in his face,” that the Speaker “is a traitor. Death to traitors,” and that Butler “really hope[s] I see lots of dead ICE agents and Traitor Mike with a patriotic bullet through his lying face soon” while also writing that he “think[s] holes in traitors faces is the next step.” Butler further wrote of the Speaker and the President that “[a] real patriot would kill some of these traitors” and that he and others would “drop those two traitors.”

The United States Capitol Police, the United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, the United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 26-CR-00088.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE– On February 26, 2026, David Fail, a 43-year-old former Abbeville resident, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after his August 2025 conviction by a federal jury for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”).

“Recidivist child sex predators are among the most dangerous people in our society, seeking out and victimizing our children to satisfy their own sick desires,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This case shows that law enforcement will find these predators in the dark corners of the Internet where they hide and that their crimes will land them behind bars for decades when they’re caught.”

Evidence presented at trial showed that Fail, who had been convicted for possessing and receiving child pornography in 2006 and for sexually exploiting a minor in 2013, was the subject of a cybertip provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he maintained an online, cloud-based storage account where he had uploaded more than 100 files containing CSAM. Law enforcement agents were able to identify Fail through his use of unique internet protocol addresses as well as information known to law enforcement through the State of Louisiana’s State Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The United States Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations, and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance and cooperation from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon II and former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:24-CR-00050-001.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE– On February 18, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned two indictments against CARTER MILES LEDOUX, a 19-year-old Lake Charles resident.  One indictment charges LEDOUX with stalking, threatening, and “swatting” a minor girl and her family after the girl made a social media post that indicated support for interracial relationships, and for conspiring with members of his Nihilistic Violent Extremist (“NVE”) group to do the same. LEDOUX was separately indicted for possessing child pornography after a search of his smartphone showed him to possess child sexual abuse materials that included toddlers being sexually abused.

“NVE groups are a serious threat to our communities—rural and urban alike—and prey upon our most vulnerable people—particularly young girls—to commit their evil acts,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Stamping out these groups lies at the heart of the Department of Justice’s commitment to make our communities safe, and our Office looks forward to achieving justice for the victim in this case and to showing those who would perpetrate similar acts that the only place in society for them is behind bars.”

“The FBI will not abide threats to children,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI's New Orleans Field Office.  “Nihilistic Violent Extremists terrorize families every day and those perpetrators should know that we are working diligently with our partners to find, investigate, and prosecute them.”

According to court documents, NVE groups engage in criminal conduct within the United States and abroad in furtherance of political, social, or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing chaos, destruction, and social instability, and a subset of NVE individuals and groups focus on racially motivated violence. Acting with other members of one of these NVE groups, LEDOUX targeted a minor girl in response to her posting in support of interracial relationships by (1) finding the contact and location information for the minor girl and her parents, (2) using anonymizing internet services to send threatening text messages to the girl’s family, (3) using those same anonymizing internet services to “swat” her family’s home by placing a hoax phone call to law enforcement claiming, among other things, that the caller supposedly located at the minor girl’s home had pipe bombs and would kill any officer who responded to the call, and (4) making publicly available social media posts glorifying the attack. After LEDOUX’s arrest, a search of his smartphone revealed child sexual abuse materials that included depictions of the sexual abuse of toddlers.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson with assistance from Legal Assistant Emily Lanphier.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case numbers for these matters are 26-cr-00068 and 26-cr-00069.

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CONTACT:  Public Affairs                                                  USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

United States Attorney’s Office                                         www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Western District of Louisiana                                            Twitter @USAO_WDLA

LAFAYETTE, LA – Today, United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller highlights a series of recent prosecutions undertaken by the Office that reflect its ongoing commitment to protecting federal law enforcement officers and public officials, to safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process, and to holding accountable those who threaten, assault, or seek to interfere with the administration of justice.

“Every attack or threat against our law enforcement officers, our public officials, or our courts is an attack on the rule of law itself,” said U.S. Attorney Keller. “These arrests, indictments, and convictions show our Office’s commitment alongside our federal partners to vigorously pursue and prosecute those who perpetrate these acts.”

The following seven ongoing cases show the Office’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our federal law enforcement officers and public officials:

• Justin Chadwick Butler, 31 of Shreveport, was arrested by criminal complaint on February 13, 2026, after posting repeated violent threats on social media targeting Speaker Mike Johnson and the President Donald Trump. These charges came after authorities identified several social media posts in which Butler advocated for Speaker Johnson’s death or execution, including stating for example that “Mike Johnson couldnt [sic] lie so smoothly with bullet holes in his face.” Butler faces up to 10 years in prison for the charges currently pending. The matter is being investigated by the United States Capitol Police, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, FBI and United States Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.

• Avieyle Moore, 40 of Jackson Parish, who was incarcerated at the time of the offense, pled guilty on January 30, 2026, to mailing a threatening letter to the Supreme Court of the United States that falsely claimed to be laced with fentanyl that would kill its reader. The letter, which contained approximately one tablespoon of a white, powdery substance and stated, “IF You Are Reading this you are gonna die soon because this letter is laced with Fentanyl!!”, caused the evacuation of the Supreme Court’s warehouse facility and prompted a hazardous materials response. Moore faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and three years of supervised release. The matter was investigated by the United States Supreme Court Police, United States Secret Service and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg with  assistance from Legal Assistant Stevie Hickman.

• Alex Taylor Fontenot, 27 of Lake Charles, was indicted on February 4, 2026, after allegedly posting a social media video threatening Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents.      In the video, Fontenot allegedly stated that if ICE agents “step foot on to my house, you’re leaving in a body bag” and that they would “be dropped like flies, immediately, so [they] won’t feel a thing.” If convicted, Fontenot faces up to five years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. The matter is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel with assistance from Legal Assistant Dru Casebonne.

• Justice Hunter, 41 of Alexandria, was indicted on February 4, 2026, following his January arrest for striking a Courtroom Security Officer (“CSO”) at the United States Federal Courthouse in Alexandria, Louisiana. According to court documents, Hunter stood outside the courthouse yelling profanities and making statements about a coming revolution before entering the building and continuing to act disruptively. After refusing repeated orders to leave, Hunter allegedly struck a CSO in the face and resisted officers attempting to detain him. If convicted, Hunter faces up to 20 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. The matter is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

• Matthew Reardon, 38 of Oxford, Mississippi, was convicted at trial on January 16, 2026, of disorderly conduct after he repeatedly obstructed the entrance to the John M. Shaw Federal Courthouse in Lafayette, Louisiana and harassed CSOs in an escalating pattern of conduct while refusing to leave the premises. Reardon faces up to 30 days in prison. The matter is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

• Maximiliano Perez-Perez, 22 of Mexico, is detained pending trial after he was indicted in December 2025 for biting an ICE officer while being detained for being an illegal alien subject to removal. Perez-Perez faces up to 20 years in prison as well as three years of supervised release. The matter is being investigated by ICE and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorneys Craig Bordelon II and Lauren Sarver with assistance from Legal Assistant Dru Casebonne.

• Micah James Legnon, 29, of New Iberia, is detained pending trial after being charged by criminal complaint in December 2025 for allegedly making a threat against New Orleans-based ICE officers.  On December 5, 2025, Legnon allegedly posted that it was “time to recreate Waco TX with these f***ers,” and one week later allegedly drove toward New Orleans with body armor, an assault rifle, a handgun, and a gas cannister. A subsequent search of his residence resulted in the seizure of additional weapons, ammunition, and tactical training materials. The investigation remains ongoing, is being investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller and Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel with assistance from Legal Assistant Dru Casebonne.

These cases reflect the Office’s ongoing priority to vigorously enforce federal laws designed to protect law enforcement officers, our judicial process, and those who serve the administration of justice. Federal law provides significant penalties for threats, assaults, and obstruction of officers and court personnel, and those who violate these statutes will be held accountable.

Criminal complaints and indictments are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CONTACT

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE – On January 21, 2025, a federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana returned a 12-count indictment charging eleven alleged members of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Western District of Louisiana. On January 29, 2026, all eleven defendants were taken into custody by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

“Drug traffickers working with transnational criminal organizations like the Gulf Cartel endanger urban and rural communities alike, and this case shows that rural communities like Vernon Parish will not tolerate these groups peddling the poisons of fentanyl, meth, and other hard drugs in their community,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This case shows our Office’s commitment alongside our federal and state partners to disrupt these groups attempting to gain a foothold in our District’s many rural communities, and we will remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting the criminals who would push these drugs into the lives of our District’s citizens.”

The investigation began when FBI New Orleans, Alexandria RA, opened an investigation into a neighborhood-based gang in early 2025. The local gang is alleged to import large amounts of illegal drugs from Gulf Cartel sources of supply in Mexico.  During the first week of November, FBI seized approximately 25 pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, 2,000 fentanyl pills, one pill press, $125,000 in U.S. currency, $28,000 in gold bars, and other contraband.

According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown but from at least on or about July 11, 2024, to November 2, 2025, the defendants intentionally conspired with each other to unlawfully possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, or 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges seven of the defendants conspired with each other to unlawfully possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. Six alleged DTO members face separated possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances charges including one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. The indictment also charges two individuals with the Illegal Use of a Communication Facility to further a Drug Transaction in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office (SPSO); and Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office (VPSO). Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy and Legal Assistant Christy Angelle are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in drug trafficking. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-CR-00249.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

SHREVEPORT– On December 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned an indictment charging the following five individuals for their roles in trafficking fentanyl and in around Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana:

• Kedrick Donell Moses, a 49-year-old resident of Alexandria;

• Edward Paige, a.k.a. “Pooh,” a 43-year-old resident of Natchitoches;

• Donovan Solitaire, a.k.a. “NuFive,” “Five,” and “Nuda,” a 26-year-old resident of Natchez;

• Quenderrick Williams, a.k.a. “Bing,” a 27-year-old resident of Pineville; and

• Raven Gray, a 23-year-old resident of Natchez.

“Fentanyl and the criminals who peddle it present an extreme danger to our communities, city and rural alike,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office will continue to work with our federal and state partners to eliminate the transnational criminal organizations that are spreading this poison across our communities and to ensure that the criminals working for these groups are off the street and facing justice.”

According to court documents, beginning on or about January 1, 2025, and continuing through June 30, 2025, Solitaire obtained fentanyl from Moses, Williams, and Paige.  Once Solitaire obtained the supply of fentanyl, he stored and distributed the drug from his and Gray’s home in Natchez.

Moses, Paige, Solitaire, and Williams are charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Solitaire is also charged along with Gray with Maintaining a Drug Premises. If convicted, Moses, Solitaire, and Williams face a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison. Paige, who has a prior serious felony drug conviction, faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. Gray faces up to 20 years in prison.   

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaDonte Murphy and Jessica Cassidy with assistance from Legal Assistants Emily Favrot and Christy Angelle and Legal Administrative Specialist Laura Bourque.

This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in drug trafficking. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 1:25-cr-00346.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE– On February 3, 2025, Brian Paul Desormeaux, a 64-year-old Lafayette resident, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for his role leading a yearslong conspiracy to defraud a federal nutrition assistance program operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). His co-conspirator daughters, Amy Desormeaux Hernandez, a 38-year-old Lafayette resident, and Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux, a 35-year-old Lafayette resident, were each sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after their convictions for wire fraud as well, with Babineaux sentenced in November 2024 and Hernandez sentenced on the same day as her father.

“The Desormeauxs’ shameful scheme stole food out of the mouths of Louisiana’s children to satisfy their own greed, and they’re now heading to federal prison as a result,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Protecting Louisiana’s children from financial and other abuses is one of our Office’s core missions, and this case shows our commitment, alongside our federal and state partners, to investigate and prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The Desormeauxs stole half a million dollars of money that was allocated to help hungry children and adults in Louisiana, and we will not tolerate that criminal behavior," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI is committed to work with our state and federal partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to root out fraud in Louisiana and make sure those responsible are held to account.”

“The defendants exploited the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program intended to provide nutritious meals to children in need.  They fraudulently claimed to administer the assistance at childcare programs and instead used it as a vehicle for personal financial gain. The USDA Office of Inspector General remains committed to protecting the integrity of USDA nutrition programs and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. We appreciate the strong partnership of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in holding those who commit fraud accountable,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.

According to court documents, Desormeaux was the executive director of Regional Nutrition Assistance, Inc., a non-profit sponsoring organization for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a federal program operated by the USDA and administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. Over the course of roughly five years, Desormeaux and his daughters, Hernandez and Babineaux, submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement from the federal government that involved, among other things, creating and submitting false state fire marshal inspection reports, which were required for reimbursement by the program, and submitting claims for alleged providers who they knew were not active and participating in the program. Desormeaux and his two daughters diverted these fraudulently obtained reimbursements for their own personal use and benefit, with the defendants receiving over $500,000.00 in federal funds that they were not entitled to. 

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-cr-00092.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE - U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana collected $7,695,567 in criminal and civil actions, as well as $420,268 in asset forfeiture actions, in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $2,410,275 was collected in criminal actions and $5,285,291 was collected in civil actions. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

The Office also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $637,270 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $2,946 was collected in criminal actions and $634,323 was collected in civil actions.             

“These collections demonstrate our Office’s commitment to holding individuals and entities accountable for violations of federal law and restoring lost funds to victims,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office remains focused on securing restitution for victims, protecting public funds, and working with our partners to promote public trust in the justice system.”

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

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CONTACT

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE – On January 27, 2026, Brandon Jermaine Francisco, 39, of Mansura, Louisiana was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to committing a carjacking that resulted in the death of victim E.G., a Lafayette Parish woman who had been missing for three years.

“Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant will spend the rest of his life in federal prison for a brutal and senseless crime,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “While no prison sentence can repay or erase the loss suffered by the victim’s family, including her young children, this case reflects our commitment alongside our state and federal partners to hold violent offenders accountable and pursue justice for victims.”

“Convicted carjacker Brandon Jermaine Francisco will be permanently removed from society and unable to hurt the people of Louisiana ever again," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI's New Orleans Field Office.  "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim, and we are so sorry for your loss.  We are very grateful for our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and the Louisiana State Police and the FBI Special Agents who relentlessly pursued justice for the innocent victim of this awful crime.”

While pleading guilty, Francisco admitted to the following facts: Francisco carjacked the victim, an Uber and Lyft driver, on March 9, 2022, while attempting to avoid an attempted murder charge in Louisiana. Francisco contacted E.G. about transportation to Missouri, and the two agreed that E.G. would meet him in Lafayette, Louisiana, and E.G. would drive him as far as Houston, Texas. After leaving Houston, the two headed eastbound back into Louisiana. Around Iowa, Louisiana, Francisco took control of the vehicle, shot E.G. several times, and disposed of her body before fleeing with the vehicle, ultimately reaching Missouri. Francisco was arrested in Missouri while possessing the firearm that killed E.G. as well as the key fob to E.G.’s vehicle roughly two weeks later, on March 25, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, St. Joseph’s Police Department, Bedford Police Department, and Scott Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Casey N. Stelly are prosecuting the case with assistance from Legal Assistant Dru Casebonne.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-CR-00249.

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Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE– On January 27, 2026, Zachary A. Keller was re-sworn as the United States Attorney of the Western District of Louisiana (WDLA) by Chief Judge Terry A. Doughty after the district court judges for WDLA voted for him to continue in the United States Attorney role that he assumed in September 2025.

“Since beginning my service in September, I’ve woken up every morning with the mindset that serving Louisiana as United States Attorney is the most important and impactful public service I’ll ever perform,” said U.S. Attorney Keller. “I thank the WDLA district court judges for honoring me with the ability to continue serving my home community and helping to make it safe as U.S. Attorney.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Mr. Keller as interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana on September 29, 2025. Pursuant to the Vacancy Reform Act, the Attorney General may appoint a U.S. Attorney to serve on an interim basis for up to 120 days. After the allotted 120 days, the district court appoints a U.S. Attorney to serve until the confirmation of a presidentially appointed successor. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Keller oversees the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States in the Western District of Louisiana. The Western District encompasses 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes and approximately two-thirds of the state’s landmass.   

A West Monroe native, Mr. Keller graduated from George Welch Elementary, West Monroe Middle School, and West Monroe High School before attending Louisiana State University and Yale Law School. After law school, Mr. Keller began his career at Jones Day’s Dallas office before beginning his work in public service in 2016. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Mr. Keller served as a Deputy Chief and Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator in the Major Crimes section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, where he also served in the Civil, Appellate, and Criminal divisions and prosecuted crimes that ranged from manslaughter and carjacking to money laundering and child exploitation.

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CONTACT:

Public Affairs 

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE – A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned an indictment on December 17, 2025, charging Katherine Albarado with attempted enticement of a minor. Albarado faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the charge.

“Protecting Louisiana’s children from abuse by people in positions of trust lies at the heart of our mission to make our Louisiana communities safe,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “The people entrusted with our children discharge one of the most sacred responsibilities that exists in our society, and our Office will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who violate that trust.”

According to information presented in court, Albarado was a high school teacher in St. Mary Parish in May 2022 when she began using her personal email account to communicate sexually explicit messages with a sixteen-year-old student whom she taught. Over a month’s time, Albarado continually tried to persuade the minor victim to engage in sexual activity with her. In addition to describing the sexual activity she wanted to do with the minor victim, Albarado also sent a video of herself undressing in an attempt to entice the minor.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Morgan City Police Department investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel with support from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

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

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-cr-00355.

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CONTACT

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

WASHINGTON — On Jan. 16, the United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Priority Hospital Group LLC (PHG), a Louisiana-based hospital management company, three PHG-managed long term care hospitals, and a doctor, alleging False Claims Act violations based on medically unnecessary care and patient referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law.

Long term care hospitals (LTCHs) provide inpatient hospital services for patients whose medically complex conditions require long hospital stays and programs of care. Medicare reimburses LTCHs based, in part, on a patient’s length of stay. According to the United States’ complaint, PHG and the LTCH defendants allegedly held patients in the hospital longer than medically necessary in order to increase their Medicare reimbursement. The United States alleges that PHG and the LTCH defendants delayed discharging certain patients, even when their course of treatment had been completed or when they could have been transferred to a lower level of care, because doing so would have resulted in lower payments from Medicare.

The United States’ complaint also alleges that one LTCH, Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, entered into medical directorship agreements with a doctor, and provided him other remuneration, to induce him to refer patients to Riverside in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The Stark Law forbids a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians that have a financial relationship with the hospital. The Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law seek to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

“Medicare patients deserve to receive care based on their clinical needs, not the financial interests of a hospital or doctor,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to pursuing cases where financial interests have improperly influenced the medical decision-making of providers participating in federal health care programs.”

“Billing federal healthcare programs for medically unnecessary treatment undermines the viability of those programs and exploits our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “Our Office will continue to combat fraudulent billing by unravelling these schemes and holding the perpetrators accountable.”

“Schemes that involve false claims and unlawful referrals erode the integrity of federal health care programs and betray the trust placed in providers,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The False Claims Act is a critical tool for protecting Medicare and ensuring that patient care decisions are driven by medical necessity—not financial gain. HHS-OIG will continue to work with or partners to hold accountable those who put profits over patients.”

The LTCHs named in the United States’ complaint are: Riverside Hospital LLC and Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, Inc. (collectively doing business as Riverside Hospital); Post Acute Enterprises, LLC (doing business as Mid Jefferson Extended Care Hospital); and New Lifecare Hospital of North Louisiana, LLC (doing business as Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital).

The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Michaela DeVos, a former employee of Riverside Hospital. Under the False Claims Act, private parties file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The False Claims Act permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the False Claims Act, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties.

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

The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana (W.D. La.) are handling the matter with assistance from HHS-OIG. The case is captioned United States ex rel. DeVos v. Priority Hospital Group LLC, et al., No. 20-cv-01041 (W.D. La.).

This case is being handled by Trial Attorney Emily Bussigel of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot for the Western District of Louisiana.

The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

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CONTACT

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                           

Western District of Louisiana                              

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA

On Jan. 16, the United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Priority Hospital Group LLC (PHG), a Louisiana-based hospital management company, three PHG-managed long term care hospitals, and a doctor, alleging False Claims Act violations based on medically unnecessary care and patient referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law.

Long term care hospitals (LTCHs) provide inpatient hospital services for patients whose medically complex conditions require long hospital stays and programs of care. Medicare reimburses LTCHs based, in part, on a patient’s length of stay. According to the United States’ complaint, PHG and the LTCH defendants allegedly held patients in the hospital longer than medically necessary in order to increase their Medicare reimbursement. The United States alleges that PHG and the LTCH defendants delayed discharging certain patients, even when their course of treatment had been completed or when they could have been transferred to a lower level of care, because doing so would have resulted in lower payments from Medicare.

The United States’ complaint also alleges that one LTCH, Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, entered into medical directorship agreements with a doctor, and provided him other remuneration, to induce him to refer patients to Riverside in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The Stark Law forbids a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians that have a financial relationship with the hospital. The Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law seek to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

“Medicare patients deserve to receive care based on their clinical needs, not the financial interests of a hospital or doctor,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to pursuing cases where financial interests have improperly influenced the medical decision-making of providers participating in federal health care programs.”

“Billing federal healthcare programs for medically unnecessary treatment undermines the viability of those programs and exploits our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “Our Office will continue to combat fraudulent billing by unravelling these schemes and holding the perpetrators accountable.”

“Schemes that involve false claims and unlawful referrals erode the integrity of federal health care programs and betray the trust placed in providers,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The False Claims Act is a critical tool for protecting Medicare and ensuring that patient care decisions are driven by medical necessity—not financial gain. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our partners to hold accountable those who put profits over patients.”

The LTCHs named in the United States’ complaint are: Riverside Hospital LLC and Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, Inc. (collectively doing business as Riverside Hospital); Post Acute Enterprises, LLC (doing business as Mid Jefferson Extended Care Hospital); and New Lifecare Hospital of North Louisiana, LLC (doing business as Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital).

The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Michaela DeVos, a former employee of Riverside Hospital. Under the False Claims Act, private parties file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The False Claims Act permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the False Claims Act, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties.

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

The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana (W.D. La.) are handling the matter with assistance from HHS-OIG. The case is captioned United States ex rel. DeVos v. Priority Hospital Group LLC, et al., No. 20-cv-01041 (W.D. La.).

This case is being handled by Trial Attorney Emily Bussigel of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot for the Western District of Louisiana.

The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

LAFAYETTE– Alexander C. Van Hook has been confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Louisiana. This confirmation comes after a long and impactful tenure as a prosecutor and supervisor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. After being sworn in by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, Mr. Van Hook began his service on the bench on January 13, 2026.

“Alec’s impact on the Office as a manager was profound and lasting, but people will remember him most as a prosecutor’s prosecutor and a lawyer’s lawyer—as someone who exemplifies the qualities that our society demands of its leaders in the criminal justice system,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “I have no doubt that Alec will carry his deep experience and the wisdom he’s gained into this new role in public service, continuing the work of achieving justice for our Louisiana community.”

Mr. Van Hook served in a variety of leadership positions in his 26+ years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Those roles including his leading the office as Acting U.S. Attorney during three separate timespans: from March 2017 to April 2018, from August 2020 to December 2021, and finally from January 2025 through September 2025. Mr. Van Hook also served as the Office’s Deputy Criminal Chief, First Assistant United States Attorney, and Special Counsel to the United States Attorney, as well as a line prosecutor who prosecuted and tried cases for many years.

Mr. Van Hook graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and from Louisiana State University Law School in 1997. After law school, Mr. Van Hook served as a law clerk for United States District Court Judge Tom Stagg in the Western District of Louisiana and then for Judge Henry A. Politz in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals before joining the Office in 1999.

Van Hook, 55, was nominated by President Trump on October 21, 2025, and the United States Senate confirmed his nomination on January 8, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

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CONTACT:

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                           

Western District of Louisiana                              

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE–  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana honors the retirement of Assistant United States Attorney John Luke Walker after 36 years of dedicated and decorated federal service and the departure of longtime and invaluable support staff member Vicki Chance, who will now continue her public service working for the federal district court after 33 years serving the Office.

“Luke and Vicki represent the best that public service has to offer: two people who have dedicated their lives to keeping their Louisiana community safe, with Luke standing up in court and Vicki working behind the scenes to advocate for victims of some of the most serious crimes that occur in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Their tenures at the Office, each spanning well more than three decades, are models of integrity, professionalism, and devotion to justice that have shaped not just generations of prosecutors and staff in our Office but also their Louisiana communities as well.”

Luke’s storied career included taking down the “Dreamboard” child exploitation website through a case that involved a total of 72 defendants and that was also one of the earliest significant actions against online child sexual abuse. His career was also distinguished in prosecuting dozens of defendants preying upon children in Louisiana and elsewhere as well as prosecuting public corruption, including unraveling bribery schemes within Louisiana district attorney offices that had a huge impact on improving public trust in one of our most important public institutions. These efforts led to his being awarded the Department of Justice’s Child Protection Award in 2013 and a Director’s Award in 2017 for his combatting an illegal pay-for-plea program, but awards don’t do capture the full scope of his contribution to Louisiana: a consummate trial lawyer and model prosecutor, Luke’s most enduring contribution is the mentorship, leadership, and friendship that he provided the Office and dozens of prosecutors over his 36 years.

Vicki served as the Office’s victim-witness coordinator for nearly 20 years while often stepping up to perform other functions the Office needed, including writing press releases and organizing community events. Before her role as victim-witness coordinator, she worked for 13 years as the legal assistant to the U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Like Luke, her legacy at the Office is most pronounced in the leadership, mentorship, and friendship that she provided to support staff members who make our Office’s mission possible to achieve over her 33 years of service.

The United States Attorney’s Office is only as strong and as dedicated to its mission and the public as its people: they are what make it possible for the Office to fulfill its mission to protect our Louisiana community. Luke and Vicki were and remain models to all of us for that service.

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Contact

Public Affairs

United States Attorney’s Office                            

Western District of Louisiana                               

USALAW-News@usdoj.gov

www.justice.gov/usao-wdla

Twitter @USAO_WDLA    

LAFAYETTE– On December 13, 2025, Micah James Legnon, 28, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was arrested on a criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Louisiana charging him with threatening Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

According to court documents, Legnon also known as Dark Witch and Kateri the Witch, is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a far-left, pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group. Legnon’s association with TILF included participating in a chat called “Order of the Black Lotus,” in which Legnon discussed teaching other TILF members urban warfare while writing threatening messages about ICE officers there and on social media.

“This arrest reflects the Justice Department’s priority of disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks across the Nation,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will continue to aggressively target violent extremist groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front, hold their proxies accountable, and ensure the American people—and the officers who protect them—can live without fear. Thank you to the US Attorney, Zachary Keller, in the Western District of Louisiana for his incredible work.”

“The FBI will not tolerate anyone who threatens law enforcement officers and will work with our partners to bring them to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly threatened ICE officers and had an assault rifle, body armor, and other items in his vehicle when he was arrested by local law enforcement. He is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front which espouses anti-government views. The FBI is steadfast in our commitment to protect the American people and those who wear the badge to protect our communities.”

“Groups like TILF are a menace to society and a threat to the values that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the New Orleans New Year’s Day terror attack, the Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices stand vigilant alongside the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners to uncover and stop potential terrorist plots dead in their tracks. The swift and decisive action taken by the FBI’s California and Louisiana components and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office here exemplifies that commitment we all have to keeping Louisiana and our country safe.”

Legnon, who has a military background, was under surveillance by the FBI on December 12, 2025, due to his affiliation with TILF members plotting to bomb Los Angeles who were arrested that day. On December 12, FBI saw Legnon leaving his New Iberia residence with what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor in his vehicle in an apparent effort to execute an attack. Legnon was stopped and arrested by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and one assault rifle, one pistol, one gas canister, and body armor were recovered from his vehicle. A federal search warrant executed on Legnon’s residence revealed sniper training manuals, SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition. This investigation is ongoing.

The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-mj-00229.

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On Dec. 13, Micah James Legnon, 28, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was arrested on a criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Louisiana charging him with threatening Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

According to court documents, Legnon also known as Dark Witch and Kateri the Witch, is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a far-left, pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group. Legnon’s association with TILF included participating in a chat called “Order of the Black Lotus,” in which Legnon discussed teaching other TILF members urban warfare while writing threatening messages about ICE officers there and on social media.

“This arrest reflects the Justice Department’s priority of disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks across the Nation,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will continue to aggressively target violent extremist groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front, hold their proxies accountable, and ensure the American people—and the officers who protect them—can live without fear. Thank you to the US Attorney, Zachary Keller, in the Western District of Louisiana for his incredible work.”

“The FBI will not tolerate anyone who threatens law enforcement officers and will work with our partners to bring them to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly threatened ICE officers and had an assault rifle, body armor, and other items in his vehicle when he was arrested by local law enforcement. He is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front which espouses anti-government views. The FBI is steadfast in our commitment to protect the American people and those who wear the badge to protect our communities.”

“Groups like TILF are a menace to society and a threat to the values that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the New Orleans New Year’s Day terror attack, the Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices stand vigilant alongside the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners to uncover and stop potential terrorist plots dead in their tracks. The swift and decisive action taken by the FBI’s California and Louisiana components and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office here exemplifies that commitment we all have to keeping Louisiana and our country safe.”

Legnon, who has a military background, was under surveillance by the FBI on Dec. 12, due to his affiliation with TILF members plotting to bomb Los Angeles who were arrested that day. On Dec. 12, FBI saw Legnon leaving his New Iberia residence with what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor in his vehicle in an apparent effort to execute an attack. Legnon was stopped and arrested by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and one assault rifle, one pistol, one gas canister, and body armor were recovered from his vehicle. A federal search warrant executed on Legnon’s residence revealed sniper training manuals, SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition. This investigation is ongoing.

The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

LAFAYETTE – A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned an indictment on December 17 charging Maximiliano Perez-Perez, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, with assaulting a federal officer and causing bodily injury. Perez-Perez faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the charge.

“If you injure a federal agent doing his or her job, then you’re going to jail—simple as that,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Law enforcement officers place themselves in harm’s way every day to make our community safe, and our Office stands ready to take swift action to punish and deter those who put them in danger.”

According to court documents, Perez-Perez, 22, was encountered by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE/ERO) officers on November 21, 2025, after the officers received a tip that a van would be transporting illegal immigrants in Louisiana. When the ICE/ERO officers attempted to detain Perez-Perez, he refused to exit the vehicle and grabbed onto the vehicle’s steering wheel. When the officers removed Perez-Perez, he then fled on foot. When the officers caught him, Perez-Perez resisted further by biting deeply into the hand of one of the ICE/ERO officers, drawing blood and leaving Perez-Perez with blood on his face from the officer’s injury.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon, II.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is currently pending assignment.

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LAFAYETTE– On December 12, 2025, Gary Haynes, 67, of Lafayette, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after his September conviction for conspiracy to engage in bribery, bribery, use of a facility interstate commerce in aid of bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

“Prosecutors bear among the most consequential public trusts in our society, determining matters of liberty, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. Gary Haynes betrayed that system of trust to satisfy his own greed,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This prosecution, which resulted from amazing work by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, shows the commitment our Office and the Department of Justice has to safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring that those who undermine it are held accountable.”

“Mr. Haynes betrayed the trust of the people of Louisiana when he traded his sacred honor for bribes,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field office. “The FBI and the US Attorney’s Office are committed to protecting the public from bribery schemes like this one that undermine faith in our great Republic.”

“As an Assistant District Attorney, Gary Haynes was entrusted to faithfully perform his duties on behalf of the public,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Instead of putting his public interest above personal gain, he misused his office to enrich himself through bribes and kickbacks from vendors. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners will continue investigating and forwarding for prosecution those who fail to uphold ethics in the public trust.”

Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Haynes conspired with Dusty Guidry and Leonard Franques to solicit bribes and kickbacks and to accept things of value while working as an Assistant District Attorney at the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Haynes oversaw the D.A.’s Office’s Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program which was a program set up to provide an alternative to criminal prosecution for certain criminal offenders. Haynes approved defendants to participate in the program and then directed them to take classes from Franques’s companies. Those defendants paid money to take classes through Franques’s companies to complete the program and obtain dismissal of the criminal charges against them from Haynes. Haynes, Guidry, and Franques agreed that Haynes would receive kickbacks in exchange for accepting people into the PTI program, directing those people to Franques’s companies, and then dismissing the charges against the people who enrolled in and paid for the courses that Franques’s companies provided.

Haynes and his co-conspirators discussed several ways to conceal the nature of the money that Haynes would receive from the kickback scheme, including having Haynes reactivate a defunct company during the conspiracy to hide the proceeds from the kickbacks or potentially providing him with a new truck rather than funnel the kickbacks directly to him. Haynes directed a coconspirator to alter, destroy, and conceal documents and records to prevent their availability in a future proceeding.

The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys John Luke Walker and John W. Nickel, and Steven Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or  at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-cr-00206.

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