Western District of Louisiana

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Jose Daniel Molina, 36, of Veracruz, Mexico, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for illegally possessing a revolver and a shotgun.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of shots being fired on December 2, 2018, near a residence in Duson, Louisiana, and found Molina’s vehicle parked at the intersection of Dwayne Road and Tunica Lane.  Upon further investigation, the officers saw a Mossberg 20-gauge shotgun which was in plain view in the backseat of the car, and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with three live rounds and three empty casings on the ground about 10 feet from the driver’s side window of Molina’s car.  Molina was later taken into custody and told Homeland Security agents that he was in possession of the two firearms and had illegally entered the country in 2000.  Molina pleaded guilty to the federal charge on January 29, 2019. 

Homeland Security Investigations, ATF and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a grand jury indicted Melissa W. Richardson, 43, of Shreveport, on 20 counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud.

According to the indictment, Richardson, who worked for Veterans Affairs in Shreveport as a pharmacist, stole various quantities of Hydrocodone, Tylenol/Codeine, Diazepam and Morphine on June 9, 2017 from prescriptions meant for patients.

If convicted, Richardson faces a maximum term of four years imprisonment, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count. 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell is prosecuting the case.

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

It has now been a year since I was appointed by the President to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, a district encompassing 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.  On that day, I made a commitment to use the tools at my disposal to combat the violent crime epidemic that has long plagued our state; aggressively prosecute public corruption; combat opioid addiction and fatalities; enforce existing immigration laws against criminal aliens; and hold accountable those individuals and companies who damage our environment, thereby endangering our health and quality of life.  By prioritizing prosecutorial resources and building meaningful and lasting relationships with our many dedicated local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, I am pleased to report that – though much work remains – we are making progress. 

Our number one priority remains eradicating violent crime through the Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”) initiative, which targets felons with firearms and those involved in criminal enterprises who use firearms to intimidate, threaten, and kill those living in the neighborhoods where they operate.  Since the implementation of this initiative, we have more than tripled the number of firearm and violent crime cases prosecuted by my office.

And the results have been remarkable.  With few exceptions, violent crime rates have dropped throughout the district.  In Monroe, homicides declined 54 percent in 2018 compared to 2017, and violent crime as a whole dropped by 24 percent.  Likewise, Lafayette saw a 62 percent decline in its homicide rate, while Shreveport saw its violent crime rate drop 14 percent.  To put it in human terms:  last year there were 257 fewer victims of violent crime in Shreveport, 261 fewer in Monroe, and 42 fewer in Lafayette.  Each of these numbers represent a man, woman, or child who has been spared death, injury, or life-long trauma by our collaborative effort to target those perpetrating violence.  Available data indicates that 2019 will bear out even further reduction in violent crime in Shreveport, Monroe, and Lafayette, and further expansion of the PSN initiative into Lake Charles and Alexandria.

Aggressive prosecution of street gangs also remains a core component of our strategy.  Late last year, prosecutors from my office convicted the core members of the “Block Boyz”, a notorious street gang that long terrorized Shreveport’s Queensborough neighborhood with firearm violence, armed robberies, drug peddling, and witness intimidation.  The members of this gang are now in federal prison and the Queensborough neighborhood is free from their menace. 

Make no mistake: violent crime and gang cases are difficult and often involve personal risk to the law enforcement officers who confront these violent criminals. But the stakes of shying from our responsibility are higher.  Doing nothing means that we allow our neighborhoods to be ruled by street gangs, with children afraid to play in their front yards and elderly residents afraid to answer their front doors.  The Constitution mandates that my duty as U.S. Attorney is to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.”  Lawlessness will not stand under my watch.  We will not allow a culture of violence to deprive honest, hardworking Louisianans of the freedoms and opportunities we cherish as Americans.

We are also making progress on other priorities.  We continue to identify and prosecute public officials who abuse our trust or use public office as a way to illegally line their own pockets.  In recent weeks, we convicted at trial Patrick Hale Dejean, a Jefferson Parish Justice of the Peace who stole hard-earned wages from vulnerable citizens appearing in his court, and former prison warden Nathan Burl Cain II, who used his position as Warden to embezzle taxpayer money.  Currently under indictment are Caddo Parish Commissioner Lynn D. Cawthorne who is accused of defrauding taxpayers out of more than $500,000.

In the past year, we have also dramatically increased our efforts to enforce this country’s immigration laws – particularly against violent criminal aliens, including the capture and prosecution of ICE’s “Most Wanted” fugitive, who was here illegally after having been convicted and subsequently deported for indecent liberties with a child. 

In the fight against opioids, we recently convicted two drug traffickers who were carrying enough of the synthetic opioid – fentanyl – to kill every man, woman, and child in the state of Louisiana, and we have federally charged a Monroe man with intentionally selling fentanyl-laced heroin responsible for at least one person’s death.  He faces up to life in prison. We also continue to investigate and prosecute doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals who operate so-called “pill mills,” which fuel addiction and, ultimately, cause death. 

Finally, we continue to defend the state’s environmental treasures from those who would illegally exploit or damage them. In a recent case, we convicted the owners and managers of a defense contracting company for their roles in defrauding the government and turning Camp Minden, Louisiana, into the largest illegal dumping ground for military explosives and munitions in the history of our country – resulting in a tremendous explosion that endangered countless lives. 

Obviously, my office does not act alone in its mission. Without exception, the sheriffs, police chiefs, and district attorneys throughout the Western District have provided vital and enthusiastic support to our efforts.  It is through coming together to uphold the Rule of Law that we can continue to “secure the blessings of liberty” for our citizens.

David C. Joseph is the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, an area that encompasses two-thirds of the State of Louisiana, including the cities of Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Alexandria.  Joseph serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer in his district and oversees the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States.  For more information visit, www.justice.gov/usao-wdla and @USAO_WDLA on Twitter.

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/MONROE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Department of Justice today released two complementary reports that focus on the mental health and safety of the nation’s federal, state, local and tribal police officers.  The reports, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act: Report to Congress and Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies, were published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) as required by the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) of 2017.

The LEMHWA passed both chambers unanimously and without amendment and was signed by the President shortly thereafter.  These actions show that its purpose and intended effects are uncontroversial among policymakers – law enforcement agencies need and deserve support in their ongoing efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of their employees.  Congress took the important step in improving the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services that will help our nation’s more than 800,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers.

“Law enforcement work is more than just a job,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.  “Police officers have taken an oath to protect us anytime our safety is at risk.  The constant stress from the heavy burden they bear can have an effect on their wellbeing and that of their families.  I am thankful for the resources provided by the Department of Justice to support the mental health and safety of our federal, state and local law enforcement officers, and for the bravery and courage shown by our law enforcement officers here in Louisiana.”

“Serving as a law enforcement officer requires courage, strength, and dedication,” Attorney General William P. Barr said.  “The demands of this work, day in and day out, can take a toll on the health and well-being of our officers, but the Department of Justice is committed to doing our part to help.  I want to thank the men and women of our COPS office for their hard work to support our officers every day, and specifically for these thoughtful and insightful reports, which detail both the challenges facing our officers and some specific ways we can give them the support that they deserve.”

“A damaging national narrative has emerged in which law enforcement officers – whether federal, state, local, or tribal – are seen not as protectors of communities but as oppressors,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith.  “In this environment, where an inherently stressful job is made more so by a constant undercurrent of distrust and negative public opinion, the risks to officer wellness are exacerbated.  This report is an important measure and reflection in our ongoing commitment to protect those who protect us.”

Under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, the COPS Office was required to submit reports to Congress that addressed:

1. Recommendations to Congress on effectiveness of crisis lines for law enforcement officers, efficacy of annual mental health checks for law enforcement officers, expansion of peer mentoring programs, and ensuring privacy considerations for these types of programs;

2. Mental health practices and services in the U.S. Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) that could be adopted by federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies; and

3. Case studies of programs designed primarily to address officer psychological health and well-being.

The first report, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act: Report to Congress, includes 22 recommendations to Congress ranging from supporting programs to embed mental health professionals in law enforcement agencies to supporting the development of model policies and implementation guidance for law enforcement agencies to make substantial efforts to reduce suicide.

The case studies report, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies, is designed to provide an overview of multiple successful and promising law enforcement mental health and wellness strategies with the joint aims of informing Congress, state and local government officials, and the law enforcement field. The report includes 11 case studies from a diverse group of sites across the United States.

The Department of Justice is pleased to respond to the LEMHWA as officer safety, health, and wellness is a longstanding priority of the agency.  The reports released today address some of the most pressing issues currently facing our law enforcement community.

The COPS Office has a near 25-year history of supporting the efforts of state, local and tribal law enforcement, including the management of the National Blue Alert Network.  The agency awards grants to hire community policing officers, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement.  Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to help advance community policing.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Erin W. O’Daniel, 36, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  She was also sentenced to five years of supervised release.  United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the sentencing hearing.

During a traffic stop of O’Daniel’s car on October 27, 2017 on Interstate 20, a Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the car and saw in plain view a large sum of cash in a bag on the center console.  The deputy also found two bags containing 282.7 grams of methamphetamine, two bags of marijuana, 14 ecstasy pills, a set of digital scales, plastic baggies and a .40-caliber loaded pistol in the center console.  O’Daniel admitted that she had more methamphetamine and another gun at home, prompting a search of her house where law enforcement agents recovered an additional 113.5 grams of methamphetamine in a box under her bed.  She pleaded guilty to these charges on January 25, 2018. 

The DEA, Louisiana State Police, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Minden Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDNRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Freddie Lewis, 28, of Alexandria, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

Lewis faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Drell set the sentencing date for July 19, 2019.

The ATF and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara is prosecuting the case.

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

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Devin Dewayne Williams, 27, of West Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

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

The ATF and West Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford is prosecuting the case.

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that James Bergeron, 29, of Sulphur, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Thursday day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to the guilty plea, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on October 19, 2018 at Bergeron’s Sulphur residence where they found a Browning 12-gauge shotgun and a Ruger .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol.  Bergeron, a convicted felon, was present at the time of the search and admitted to ownership and use of the firearms.  He was convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas on September 26, 2013 for bank robbery and in the 14th Judicial District Court, Calcasieu Parish, on August 25, 2017 for possession of Methamphetamine.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

Bergeron faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  The court set the sentencing date for July 9, 2019.

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

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Ellis Harp III, 44, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to eight years and 10 months in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Foote also sentenced Harp to five years of supervised release. 

Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on February 26, 2016 at Harp’s Earl Street residence in Shreveport and found 137.080 grams of powder cocaine, three sets of digital scales, a Ruger, model Super Blackhawk .44-caliber revolver and an Olympic Arms Inc. SGW & Safari Arms AR-15 in a shed on his property.  Harp admitted to possessing the items located in the shed and admitted that he knew he was not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.  He was convicted in federal court in the Western District of Louisiana on September 16, 2010 for possession of a firearm by a felon.  Harp pleaded guilty on November 29, 2018 for the current charges.

The ATF, DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.

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

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Nelson Bell Jr., 51, of Monroe, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possessing two unregistered shotguns.

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

Bell faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Doughty set the sentencing date for September 4, 2019.

The ATF and the Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.

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

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Matthew A. Beaudion, 30, and Jessica N. Davis, 34, both of Monroe, entered guilty pleas Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Hayes for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Ouachita Parish.

According to the guilty pleas, Beaudion, Davis and co-defendant Justin D. Jenkins, 34, of Rayville, Louisiana, traveled to Houston, Texas, on August 14, 2017 so that Beaudion could purchase methamphetamine with plans to distribute it to Davis and other persons.  Beaudion paid Jenkins to drive because he had a valid driver’s license. After returning to Monroe on August 15, 2017, law enforcement agents stopped the vehicle, and discovered 690.5 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the dashboard of the vehicle behind the radio.

The defendants face not less than 10 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.  Jenkins pleaded guilty to the conspiracy count on January 24, 2018.  All three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced July 31, 2019.

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Lake Charles man pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to illegally possessing a firearm after leading Lake Charles police officers on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash. 

Dane Darbonne, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the guilty plea, Darbonne purchased a Savage Model 110 caliber, 30-06 rifle from another individual on August 10, 2018.  The day after taking possession of the firearm, Darbonne led Lake Charles police in a vehicle pursuit.  Darbonne crashed the car during the pursuit and fled the scene.  Officers recovered the rifle from the vehicle Darbonne was driving.  Darbonne is a felon who was previously convicted for possession of a firearm in a firearm free zone, assault by drive-by-shooting, attempted manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

Darbonne faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The ATF and the Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph issued the following statement:

           “A suspect has been identified in connection with the three church burnings in Opelousas, Louisiana, and is in state custody.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, and FBI are working with state and local law enforcement and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims and those St. Landry Parish residents affected by these despicable acts.  A special thanks to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, H. “Butch” Browning Jr., Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, the Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for working seamlessly with federal law enforcement agents in this investigation.”

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Dennis Lee Richardson, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for possessing a semi-automatic pistol.  He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

On June 29, 2018, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a Prentiss Street residence.  As the agents approached the home, they saw Richardson and his girlfriend sitting in a parked car in the driveway.  The agents also observed a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol with an extended clip on the floorboard behind the front passenger seat.  Richardson is a convicted felon who pleaded guilty on March 10, 2014 in Caddo Parish for attempted illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.  He pleaded guilty to the federal firearms charge on December 11, 2018.

The ATF and the Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Earl Vinson III, 20, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

Vinson faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  The court set the sentencing date for July 29, 2019.

The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – Robert Hammac, 44, a former officer of the Lake Charles Police Department, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for using excessive force against an arrestee, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

The indictment charges Hammac with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.  The indictment alleges that on May 8, 2017, Hammac assaulted G.T., an arrestee, using a Taser and resulting in bodily injury to G.T.

If convicted, Hammac faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. 

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

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

Robert Hammac, 44, a former officer of the Lake Charles Police Department, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana, for using excessive force against an arrestee, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana. 

The indictment charges Hammac with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. The indictment alleges that on May 8, 2017, Hammac assaulted G.T., an arrestee, using a Taser and resulting in bodily injury to G.T. 

If convicted, Hammac faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. 

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7 to 13, 2019, U.S. Attorney David. C. Joseph was the guest speaker on Monday at the annual proclamation ceremony in Shreveport, hosted by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, which was at the Shreveport-Caddo Government Plaza on Travis Street. 

“We all know victims of crime, whether it be friends, family or colleagues,” Joseph stated. “I want the public to know that my office stands ready to not only prosecute those who have done harm to crime victims, but also to provide support to victims throughout the legal process.  I would also ask those in our communities to remember the victims of crime in their thoughts and prayers.”

“Victims of crime deserve justice,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute and convict those who have done them harm. During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime, and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways.  This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured.”

Each year in April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf.  In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize or participate in events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime.  This year’s observance takes place April 7 to 13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.

The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 12, 2019 to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year.  President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.

The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local and tribal justice systems by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies.  Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers.  More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.  More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.  You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana Victim Witness Program at 318-676-3600.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Ronald W. Reeves, 68, of Rayville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to two counts of mail fraud for his role in a scheme to steal nearly $400,000.

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

Reeves faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count.  The court set the sentencing date for August 7, 2019.

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

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Cortez Demoria McWilson, 29, and Troydarius Jamal Jackson, 29, both of Bastrop, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to drug and firearm charges.

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

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

McWilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances.  He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for drug conspiracy.  Jackson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the firearms charge.  They both face three years of supervised release.  Doughty set the sentencing date for August 7, 2019.

The ATF, Louisiana State Police and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Joseph Shaquille Brown, 25, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for making a false statement on a federal firearms transaction record, known as an ATF Form 4473.

According to the guilty plea, Brown completed an ATF Form 4473 at a Shreveport business on November 17, 2017.  On the form, Brown indicated he was not subject to a court authorized restraining order.  However, he was subject to two such restraining orders that were issued following his arrest on October 4, 2017 for telephone harassment and stalking his ex-wife.  The Caddo Parish District Court issued a restraining order on October 9, 2017, and the Caddo parish Juvenile Court issued another restraining order on October 27, 2017.

Brown faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Judge Donald Walter set Brown’s sentencing date for July 2, 2019.

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

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Leonard Espree, 55, formerly of Lafayette, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for stealing nearly $300,000 from three finance companies.

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

Espree faces up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $1 million fine for one count of wire fraud.  The court set a July 10, 2019 sentencing date. 

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Selvin Ponce-Hernandez, 28, of Honduras was sentenced to a year and three months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for illegally re-entering the country for a fifth time.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Ponce-Hernandez on August 9, 2018 for domestic abuse battery, possession of a stolen firearm and resisting an officer.  The defendant’s wife reported the battery and deputies found him hiding in the closet of an abandoned apartment.  Ponce-Hernandez was previously removed from the United States four times - November 2008, December 2009, January 2012 and October 2015.  He also has two previous criminal convictions.  He was convicted in August of 2008 of criminal mischief in Houston Texas and in October 2009 in the Southern District of Texas for illegal re-entry of a removed alien.  He pleaded guilty on December 20, 2018.

Homeland Security Investigations, the ATF and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Kenneth Poullard, 44, of Crowley, Louisiana, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks for possessing sexually explicit images of juveniles. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. 

When law enforcement agents learned that Poullard was downloading child pornography to electronic devices in his home, they searched his home on March 13, 2014 and found a desktop computer containing 50 images of child pornography.  Poullard, who was present at the time of the search, admitted to intentionally searching for and downloading images and videos of child pornography.  He pleaded guilty on October 17, 2018.

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

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

Homeland Security Investigations and Louisiana Attorney General’s Office High Technology Crime Unit conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Ronald Joseph Guillory, 45, of Starks, Louisiana, was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for possessing a shotgun, a rifle, a pistol and ammunition.

When Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s officers responded to a disturbance on April 6, 2018 at a home near Vinton, Louisiana, they found Guillory sitting inside of his truck in the driveway.  After the officers approached the vehicle, they noticed drug paraphernalia and arrested Guillory.  They found a Stevens .16-gauge single-shot shotgun, a Marlin .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition on the back seat.  Guillory admitted to the officers he was in possession of the weapons.  Under federal law, Guillory is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.  He was convicted of simple burglary in February of 2007.  He pleaded guilty in federal court on November 15, 2018.

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

The ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Sedonnia Axl Lee Bass, 28, of Oak Grove, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for distributing methamphetamine.

According to the guilty plea, a West Carrol Parish Sheriff’s deputy responded to a domestic violence call on November 25, 2018 at an Oak Grove residence.  The deputy approached a vehicle parked in the driveway and made contact with Bass, who was sitting in the driver’s seat.  She told the deputy that she had not seen the altercation and would not say why she was there.  While talking with Bass, the officer noticed that she was trying to conceal something near the center console.  When Bass identified herself, the deputy recognized her name and knew that she had active warrants for her arrest and placed her under arrest.  A search of the car revealed a black bag containing small baggies, a scale, a spoon and a pink glass-smoking pipe wrapped in a handkerchief on the floorboard area of the driver’s side.  The deputy also found a clear plastic bag between the center console and the driver’s seat containing 117.0549 grams of methamphetamine.  After questioning Bass at the station, she admitted the methamphetamine was hers and that she sells methamphetamine in and around the Oak Grove area.

Bass faces up to 10 years to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.  The court set the sentencing date for July 1, 2019.

The DEA, West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office and Oak Grove Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Shelby Jude Darby, 27, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to possessing a 9 mm pistol and an AK-47 style rifle. 

According to the guilty plea, Lafayette police conducted on November 1, 2017 a traffic stop on Darby’s vehicle because of illegal dark tint.  Darby exited the vehicle and ran down an alley between a residence and a garage.  Officers chased him, placed him under arrest, and found a SCCY, Model CPX-2, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol on the ground where Darby had been laying.  They returned to Darby’s vehicle where officers observed in plain view, a Romarm/Cugir, Model WASR 10/63 UF, 7.620-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which was located between the driver’s seat and center console, along with various illegal narcotics.  Darby is a felon who was previously convicted in February of 2016 for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  According to federal law, a convicted felon is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Darby faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for July 5, 2019. 

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

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two Lake Charles felons were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for illegal possession of a firearm.

Lake Charles felon sentenced to 48 months in prison for possessing handgun

Keelan Broussard, 27, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to four years in prison for possessing a handgun.  The Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on May 23, 2018 at Broussard’s home, and found a Taurus .38 Special handgun, ammunition, approximately $2,400 in cash, marijuana and cocaine in Broussard’s bedroom.  Broussard is a felon who has been convicted of drug and firearms related charges.  Under federal law, convicted felons are not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.  Broussard admitted that he owned the firearm at his guilty plea in federal court on December 14, 2018.

The ATF and the Calcasieu Combined Anti-drug Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.

Lake Charles felon sentenced to 30 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a rifle

            Forrest Cecil Coker II, 33, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a stolen rifle.  Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrived on April 21, 2018 at a home on Laurel Avenue in Calcasieu Parish searching for an individual with pending felony warrants.  When officers approached the home, Coker came out to meet them, and stated he needed to step back inside the residence to subdue an aggressive dog.  Upon his return, officers received permission to enter and search the residence.  During the search, they found a DPMS Model AR-10, .308-caliber rifle that was reported stolen, a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, four suspected Alprazolam pills and two suspected Citalopram pills, along with marijuana pipes, a methamphetamine pipe, marijuana grinders and an electric scale. 

Under federal law, Coker is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.  Coker was previously convicted on four separate occasions in the State of Louisiana's 14th Judicial District Court for simple burglary and illegal use of a weapon.  He pleaded guilty in federal court on December 17, 2018.

The ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Paul Loudin, 40, of Lake Charles, was sentenced Monday to four years and nine months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for distribution of methamphetamine. 

Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on March 14, 2017 at Loudin’s home in Lake Charles and found approximately 586 grams of methamphetamine and 728 ecstasy pills.  Loudin admitted during his guilty plea on December 14, 2018 that he was aware the drugs were located at his residence and that he intended to distribute them.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Combine Anti-Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Deaunte D. Noyes, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to three and a half years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Noyes was also sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow imprisonment. 

Shreveport police officers engaged in a chase on August 28, 2017 with a vehicle that had been reported stolen.  After a high-speed pursuit, Noyes wrecked the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.  Upon searching the wrecked vehicle, officers found a Taurus, Model PT99, 9 mm-caliber pistol and ammunition that Noyes had placed under the seat.  Noyes was previously convicted of attempted illegal carrying of a weapon while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, both of which are felonies.  According to federal law, Noyes is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.  He pleaded guilty on August 24, 2018, to illegally possessing the pistol. 

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

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

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Anthony Joseph Meaux, 38, of Crowley, Louisiana, was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

Meaux was called in by his probation officer on December 21, 2016 pursuant to an outstanding warrant and suspicions of his involvement in an armed robbery in Crowley.  During that encounter, the probation officer discovered that Meaux was in possession of an Arminius Model HW7 .22 caliber revolver pistol.  Meaux has seven prior felony convictions: two for simple burglary, three for simple robbery and two for drug-related offenses.  According to federal law, he is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.  He pleaded guilty on September 11, 2018. 

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

The ATF and the Louisiana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Reginald T. Warren, 37, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

According to the guilty plea, law enforcement officers with the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on March 7, 2018 for Reginald Warren’s residence in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  Agents found a total of more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine in the residence and a loaded Charter Arms .38-caliber revolver in close proximity to the methamphetamine.

Warren faces 10 years to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine for the methamphetamine offense.  He faces at least five years in prison for the firearm offense.  Drell set the sentencing date for June 20, 2019.

The DEA, Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office in Texas conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Gene Williams III, 22, of Abbeville, Louisiana, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dee. D. Drell to 14 months in prison for lying on a firearms application.  Williams was also sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow imprisonment. 

Williams lied on an ATF Form 4473 on February 26, 2018 in order to purchase a Taurus, Model 740, Slim .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol at a pawnshop in Abbeville, Louisiana.  Williams stated on the form that he had no felony charges pending against him when, in fact, at the time he had been charged in the 15th Judicial District Court of Louisiana with a variety of felony offenses, including drug possession, weapon possession, aggravated assault, and racketeering.  Williams pleaded guilty in federal court on December 13, 2018 for the false statement he made on the ATF Form 4473.

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

The ATF conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Raymundo Pizano-Montes, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday to 21 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for distributing LSD in St. Mary Parish and possessing firearms. 

A St. Mary Parish deputy pulled over a Mazda SUV in which Pizano-Montes was an occupant on November 18, 2016 for a traffic violation.  During a search of the vehicle, the deputy found $14,582 in cash, 319 dosage units of LSD, 82 Xanax pills, marijuana paraphernalia, a scale, and 12 firearms.  Six of the 12 firearms — including an AR-15 assault rifle — were reported stolen.  Pizano-Montes stated to officers that anything found in the vehicle was his property, and he buys and sells firearms, marijuana, LSD and Xanax.  He was deported in 2010 after having been convicted in California for second degree robbery and re-entered the United States illegally.

Homeland Security Investigations, ATF and St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Chad Lightfoot, 47, of Chalmette, Louisiana, was convicted by a federal jury for using an address at a Monroe house that he did not live in to receive disaster payments.  The jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately one hour.  United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over the trial that began Monday, March 11, 2019 and ended today.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Lightfoot owned an abandoned, unoccupied property in Monroe, but lived in Chalmette.  After a federal disaster was declared on March 13, 2016 following severe storms and flooding in Northeast Louisiana, Lightfoot applied for disaster grant assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage to the property he owned on South Fourth Street in Monroe. Lightfoot listed his primary residence as Monroe on his FEMA application, and prior to the property’s inspection by FEMA on March 30, 2016, Lightfoot obtained a Louisiana Identification Card to appear as though he lived there.  He also submitted a fraudulent cable bill to FEMA to establish proof of occupancy.  As a result of his fraudulent claims, FEMA sent Lightfoot $23,684 on April 4, 2016 for repairs.  Lightfoot also submitted two appeals to FEMA, which included $115,669 and $122,500 in repair estimates.  

Lightfoot faces up to 30 years in prison, five years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine per count, and restitution.  The court set sentencing for July 3, 2019.

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

MONROE, La. – The Justice Department today announced that defendant Christopher Loring, a former officer at the Richwood Correctional Center, pleaded guilty in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to cover up the physical assault of five inmates by officers. Loring, 36, of West Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiring with other officers to falsify documents with intent to obstruct and influence the investigation of a matter within federal jurisdiction.  Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph made the announcement.

“Abuse of prisoners is illegal and tarnishes the reputation of those correctional officers who work hard every day to perform their duties with distinction and professionalism,” Joseph stated. “To maintain the fairness and integrity of the American justice system, my office will hold accountable any who violate the civil rights of those under their custody.”

“The blatant abuse of power and the obstruction of civil rights will not be tolerated by the Department,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to protect the victims of these abuses and prosecute those who violate their civil rights.”

According to his guilty plea, Loring worked as a correctional officer at the Richwood Correctional Center in Richwood, Louisiana, where on Oct. 30, 2016 he and other officers abused inmates and then conspired to cover it up.  According to Mr. Loring, he failed to intervene when the  other officers sprayed a chemical agent directly in the faces and eyes of five inmates while the inmates were handcuffed, compliant, kneeling on the floor, and not posing a physical threat to anyone.  Following that abuse, Mr. Loring and the other officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports. 

Roderick Douglas, a former supervisor at the Richwood Correctional Center, pleaded guilty in federal court on Jan. 31 for his role in the conspiracy to violate the civil rights of five inmates. Sentencing for Douglas is scheduled for June 5, 2019.

The count of conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a criminal fine of up to $250,000. Mr. Loring is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3, 2019 by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty of the Western District of Louisiana, who accepted the plea.

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

The Justice Department today announced that defendant Christopher Loring, a former officer at the Richwood Correctional Center, pleaded guilty in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to cover up the physical assault of five inmates by officers. Loring, 36, of West Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiring with other officers to falsify documents with intent to obstruct and influence the investigation of a matter within federal jurisdiction.  Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph made the announcement.

“The blatant abuse of power and the obstruction of civil rights will not be tolerated by the Department,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to protect the victims of these abuses and prosecute those who violate their civil rights.”

“Abuse of prisoners is illegal and tarnishes the reputation of those correctional officers who work hard every day to perform their duties with distinction and professionalism,” U.S. Attorney Joseph stated. “To maintain the fairness and integrity of the American justice system, my office will hold accountable any who violate the civil rights of those under their custody.”

According to his guilty plea, Loring worked as a correctional officer at the Richwood Correctional Center in Richwood, Louisiana, where on Oct. 30, 2016 he and other officers abused inmates and then conspired to cover it up.  According to Mr. Loring, he failed to intervene when the  other officers sprayed a chemical agent directly in the faces and eyes of five inmates while the inmates were handcuffed, compliant, kneeling on the floor, and not posing a physical threat to anyone.  Following that abuse, Mr. Loring and the other officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports. 

Roderick Douglas, a former supervisor at the Richwood Correctional Center, pleaded guilty in federal court on Jan. 31 for his role in the conspiracy to violate the civil rights of five inmates. Sentencing for Douglas is scheduled for June 5, 2019.

The count of conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a criminal fine of up to $250,000. Mr. Loring is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3, 2019 by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty of the Western District of Louisiana, who accepted the plea.

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

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that the former warden of the Avoyelles Correctional Center in Cottonport, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for his scheme to steal more than $150,000 in taxpayer money for his personal benefit.

Nathan Burl Cain II, 51, of Moreauville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. A trial started on Monday related to an indictment filed on August 11, 2017 charging Nathan Cain with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 17 counts of wire fraud. The trial ended today with his plea to two 20-year counts in the indictment.

According to the guilty plea, Nathan Cain conspired with his ex-wife Tonia Bandy Cain, 43, who served as the manager of the business office of the facility, to use Louisiana Department of Corrections bank cards to purchase personal items, while misrepresenting that such items were purchased for official business. The bank cards were used to purchase furniture, pet supplies, toilet paper, gun parts, Christmas decorations, yard tools, tires, a pressure cooker that was given as a gift to a third party, and other items.

Additionally, Nathan Cain commissioned the construction of a house on prison grounds for himself and did not bid the construction as required by law. Instead, purchases for the construction were made on bank cards on separate occasions for supplies and materials.  Nathan Cain structured the purchases so that they would avoid detection by Department of Corrections monitors.

“Today’s conviction should serve as a warning to any other public official in Louisiana who intends to use public office to illegally line their own pockets,” Joseph stated. “Under my watch, the good-old-boy system of fraud and corruption among our public servants will not be tolerated. It will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street and the FBI for their hard work and investigating this case. I also want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke Walker and David Ayo for their work prosecuting the defendant.”

“Justice was done today,” stated Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street.  “The manner in which Nate Cain repeatedly and brazenly stole money from Louisiana taxpayers was shocking and showed a staggering sense of entitlement on his part.   Mr. Cain not only abused the considerable powers given to him as Warden, but also blatantly violated the public’s trust and brought shame to the Louisiana Department of Corrections.  This case should send a message in the strongest possible terms that we have zero tolerance for it, and will continue to do everything in our power to bring about severe criminal consequences whenever and wherever there is corruption by Louisiana public officials. I want to acknowledge and thank United States Attorney David Joseph and Assistant United States Attorneys Luke Walker and David Ayo for doing such an outstanding job prosecuting this case.  I am also very grateful for our continuing successful partnership with the FBI, which has again yielded outstanding results.”

Nathan Cain faces up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine per count and restitution not to exceed $152,364.69. The court set sentencing for June 17, 2019. Tonya Cain pleaded guilty on July 9, 2018 to wire fraud conspiracy. The court set sentencing for April 12, 2019.

The FBI and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and David J. Ayo are prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Terrence Taylor, 38, of Ball, Louisiana, was sentenced last week to 34 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.  He was also sentenced Friday to three years of supervised release. 

According to the guilty plea, when Alexandria police officers approached Taylor’s vehicle on August 12, 2017 at a local park, they noticed the handle of a firearm under the armrest of the driver’s seat, and later identified the firearm as a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, which was loaded with six rounds.  A warrant check revealed that Taylor had outstanding warrants for probation violations and he was arrested at the scene.  Taylor is a felon who has previously been convicted of forcible rape, illegal use of a weapon and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.  As a felon, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition.  He pleaded guilty on October 30, 2018. 

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

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

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Theodore Hines, 37, of Alexandria, was sentenced last week to 51 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possession of a firearm by a felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.  He was also sentenced Thursday to two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. 

According to the guilty plea, an Alexandria police officer observed Hines on June 26, 2018 remove a pistol from his pocket and throw it onto the ground.  Hines told police officers he had the pistol to protect himself.  After his arrest, police took possession of the loaded Kel-Tec .380-caliber pistol.  Hines has multiple previous felonies related to drug trafficking. According to federal law, Hines is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.  He pleaded guilty on December 11, 2018.

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

The ATF and the Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Terrance Duane King, 30, of Alexandria, was sentenced last week to a year and six months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.  King was also sentenced Friday to three years of supervised release. 

According to the guilty plea, Alexandria police responded to drug related complaints on February 23, 2017 at an apartment complex on Sunset Drive.  As the officers approached a group of men standing between apartment buildings, King fled the area, took a pistol from his waistband and tossed it to the ground.  Officers arrested King and retrieved a firearm that was identified as a Springfield Armory, Model XD-40, .40-caliber pistol.  King is a convicted felon who was convicted on drug-related charges in 2009, 2011 and 2016.  Under federal law, as a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.  King pleaded guilty November 19, 2018. 

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

The ATF and the Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history, surpassing last year’s nationwide sweep.  The cases during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than 2 million Americans, most of them elderly.

In the Western District of Louisiana, the sweep included the indictment of Gregory Alan Smith, 56, of Shreveport, and Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, 65, of Houston, Texas, who are charged with defrauding investors out of more than $1 million. According to the indictment returned by a federal grand jury on March 29, 2018, Smith used his influence and status as the operator and manager of Smith Financial Group LLC in Shreveport, and Caldwell used his influence and status as pastor at a prominent Houston church to lure investors into sinking their money into what they thought were high-return investments.  Instead of investing the funds, the defendants used them to pay personal loans, credit card balances, mortgages, vehicle purchases and other personal expenses.  Some of the victims were seniors.

“In Louisiana we teach our children to honor and respect their elders.  Unfortunately, some in our society target the elderly — betraying their confidence and stealing their hard-earned savings,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph.  “My office will continue working daily with our law enforcement partners to protect the elderly members of our communities from those who would steal from them through false promises and fraudulent schemes.  Make no mistake, we will expose those who prey upon our seniors and bring them to justice.”  

“Crimes against the elderly target some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” Attorney General William P. Barr said.  “But thanks to the hard work of our agents and prosecutors, as well as our state and local partners, the Department of Justice is protecting our seniors from fraud.  The Trump administration has placed a renewed focus on prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, and the results of today’s sweep make that clear.  Today we are announcing the largest single law enforcement action against elder fraud in American history.  This year’s sweep involves 13 percent more criminal defendants, 28 percent more in losses, and twice the number of fraud victims as last year’s sweep.  I want to thank the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which led this effort, together with the Department’s Criminal Division, the more than 50 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and the state and local partners who helped to make these results possible. Together, we are bringing justice and peace of mind to America's seniors.”

The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases or through consumer education efforts.  In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars.

The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Justice Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act. 

A fact-sheet with technical-support fraud case information can be found here.

A fact-sheet with cases on mass mailing fraud can be found here.

A fact-sheet with examples of a few elder fraud cases involving extradition in which the Office of International Affairs played a substantial role can be found here.

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.  The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.

SHREVEPORT, La. – Christopher W. Chatman, 37, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. 

According to the guilty plea, the Caddo/Shreveport Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant on January 18, 2018 at the home where Chatman lived after the Shreveport Police had conducted an investigation on illegal drug activity at the residence.  Officers found three firearms, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, MDMA, packaging material, digital scales and mail addressed to Chatman at that address. Chatman admitted that the .40-caliber Berretta pistol, model: PX4 Storm belonged to him.   Under federal law, as a convicted felon, Chatman is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Chatman faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Judge Hicks set the sentencing date for June 13, 2019.

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

The ATF, Caddo/Shreveport Narcotics Task Force and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – Eliezer Merino-Tetlactle, 25, of Mexico, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to one count of re-entry of a removed alien, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.  

According to the guilty plea, West Monroe police arrested Merino-Tetlactle on August 23, 2018 for carnal knowledge of a juvenile, computer aided solicitation of a minor, possession of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.  His background check showed that he was an illegal alien who had been previously removed from the United States twice.

Merino-Tetlactle faces two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000.

United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the West Monroe Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – Tyvon D. Taylor, 24, of Shreveport, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. Taylor was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. 

According to the guilty plea, Taylor was involved in a shooting on August 12, 2017, and was arrested on August 15, 2017 in connection with this incident.  During his arrest, police found a Springfield Armory .40-caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and ammunition in his possession.  Taylor has prior felonies from September 2013 and January 2016 for simple burglary.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Taylor pleaded guilty October 4, 2018. 

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

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – Recardo Catrell Pierce, 22, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.

According to the guilty plea, a Shreveport police officer observed Pierce exit an apartment and noticed a black handgun tucked in the front waistband of his shorts as he walked toward a parked car.  When the officer approached the vehicle, Pierce attempted to exit the vehicle.  As Pierce was climbing out of the vehicle through the door window, the firearm fell out of his pants.  After chasing Pierce for about 300 yards, the officer apprehended him and took him back to the scene where the car had been and secured the dropped weapon, a Springfield Armory, Model: SA-XD, 9 by 19-caliber pistol, loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Pierce is a felon who was convicted of simple burglary on February 10, 2016 in Bossier Parish and was sentenced to six years in prison and five years of probation.  Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms.

Pierce faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for June 18, 2019.

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

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Illegal alien Ernesto Garcia-Flores, 39, of Mexico, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of re-entry of a removed alien, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.  

Garcia-Flores was arrested on November 6, 2018 in Calcasieu Parish. After an investigation into his background, law enforcement agents learned that he had been previously deported twice.  He was indicted in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division, on October 26, 2011 for re-entry of a removed alien and was deported on January 27, 2012.  He was also charged by criminal complaint on February 3, 2013 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Laredo Division, for unlawfully entering the United States and was removed from the United States on September 5, 2013.

Garcia-Flores faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count.  The court set the sentencing date for June 13, 2019.

United States Customs and Border Protection and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Forrest Phillips is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United State Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today that adds 18 money laundering-related charges to the indictment of Lynn D. Cawthorne, 51, and Belena C. Turner, 47, both of Shreveport. 

According to the superseding indictment, the Food and Nutrition Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the Child Nutrition Programs.  The Child Nutrition Programs include the Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP), which was established to ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session during the summer. 

United Citizens and Neighborhoods (UCAN) is a non-profit corporation that participated as a sponsor in the SFSP.  Cawthorne is the president of UCAN and Turner represented herself to be its executive director.  The indictment alleges that beginning sometime in early 2011 and continuing until sometime in December 2015, the defendants fraudulently obtained more than $536,000 from the SFSP by engaging in numerous activities to defraud, which included filing claims for reimbursement that greatly inflated the number of eligible meals provided, thus claiming more children were fed at UCAN sites than were actually fed.  Based on the inflated payments made pursuant to these false claims, money was transferred to catering companies and other entities controlled by the defendants, all to help conceal the fact that Cawthorne and Turner improperly benefitted from the SFSP.  According to the indictment, the defendants engaged in money laundering transactions to conceal the payment of personal expenses.  These expenses included private school payments, travel, furniture, clothing, car repairs, meals at restaurants, and campaign expenses.

The defendants face 20 years in prison for each wire fraud and money laundering count.  The defendants could also face fines of $250,000 for each wire fraud count and $500,000 for each money laundering count.  The first indictment was filed on April 26, 2018 and included eight counts related to wire fraud.

The FBI, Louisiana State Inspector General, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General investigated the case.  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath are prosecuting the case.

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

SHREVEPORT, NEW ORLEANS, LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a former Justice of the Peace for the Second Justice Court of Jefferson Parish was convicted by a federal jury in New Orleans for using his position to illegally obtain wage garnishments and loans.  The jury returned its guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately three hours, ending a trial that began Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

Patrick Hale Dejean, 40, was found guilty this afternoon, of 13 counts of mail fraud and three counts of making false statements to a bank.

“Public corruption by our elected officials will not be tolerated in Louisiana,” said Joseph.  “In this case, the Justice of the Peace targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our society and stole their hard earned wages, defrauded banks, and abused the trust placed in him by the public.  This verdict should serve as a warning to other Louisiana public officials who may intend to use elected office to line their own pockets.”

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

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

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

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

Dejean faces up to 20 years in prison for each mail and wire fraud count and up to 30 years in prison for each count related to making a false statement to a bank.  United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set Patrick Dejean’s sentencing for May 23, 2019.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case because the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana is recused from the case.           

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

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that the crime rates in Monroe have dropped in the wake of collaborative efforts to reduce violent crime.

Violent crime rates have dropped from a peak in 2016 of 1,493 offenses to 830 offenses in 2018.  That is more than a 44 percent drop in the violent crime rate over a two-year period.  The homicide rate has also dropped from 18 in 2015 to six last year – a 66 percent decline in Monroe’s homicide rate.  This reduction in Monroe’s 2018 violent crime rate corresponds with U.S Attorney Joseph’s focus on federal violent crime prosecutions and collaboration with District Attorney Tew’s office to jointly identify and prosecute the most violent offenders.  In the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana has prosecuted well over 200 defendants throughout the district for firearm related offenses, including felons and drug dealers in possession of firearms – more than 60 of which have been in the Monroe area.  These prosecutions represent approximately three times the number of such cases as were brought in previous years.

The 2018 decline reverses a sharp rise in violent crime that peaked in 2015 and 2016 in the Monroe area.  Law enforcement’s efforts to stem this rise in crime have involved local, state and federal law enforcement working together on a daily basis to share information and support one another in the fight against violent crime.  Among other measures, the U.S. Attorney’s Office brought in two new prosecutors last year to specifically focus their efforts on violent crime.  Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has contributed to the effort by assigning a prosecutor in Monroe to work as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in Joseph’s office and provide assistance in the prosecution of violent offenders.

“I am pleased to announce that the trend of rising crime in Monroe and Northeast Louisiana has been reversed,” Joseph stated.  “Crime rates are dropping in the Monroe area and, as a result, Monroe is safer now than it has been at any time in the recent past.  One of my priorities as U.S. Attorney is to make our communities safer by substantially increasing violent crime arrests and prosecutions in the Western District.  These efforts, in conjunction with similar efforts by District Attorney Tew’s office and our law enforcement partners, are clearly making a difference.  I want to thank Louisiana Attorney General Landry, District Attorney Tew, Sherriff Russell, Mayor Mayo and Chief Ellis for their commitment and assistance to our joint effort.  Through the collaboration of state, local, and federal law enforcement in Northeast Louisiana, this effort is seeing success.  We expect even greater things to come.”

“The tremendous drop in violent crime shows what law enforcement agencies can accomplish when working together," Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said. "My office will continue to collaborate with our local and federal partners to make Louisiana a safer place for our children and families.”

“The safety and well-being of our citizens is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols. “ATF, in partnership with the United States Attorney, the Louisiana Attorney General and other Federal, state and local law enforcement partners will continue to focus our investigative resources on arresting and prosecuting the most violent criminals who use firearms to terrorize our communities and on those individuals who supply firearms to this criminal element. Through the utilization of our Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC), and National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), we will provide leads to investigators to help identify these criminals to further reduce crime. Protecting neighborhoods from violent crime is a priority for the citizens of Monroe and ATF.”

These efforts are part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing effort to increase targeted prosecutions of violent crime through the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program.  The PSN program is a collaborative effort led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office involving local, state and federal law enforcement.  In the Monroe area, participants include the ATF, FBI, DEA, Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe Police Department.  The program has been proven to be successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone.

The Western District of Louisiana consists of 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes and covers the cities of Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport.