Western District of Louisiana

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that two Winnfield men were sentenced Monday for possessing stolen firearms.

Ashton L. Howard, 33, and Aaron Thomas, 27, both of Winnfield, La., were sentenced to 27 months and 96 months in prison respectively by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of possession of a stolen firearm, and Thomas was also sentenced for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. They were also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the June 15, 2016 guilty pleas, Howard and Thomas received and possessed 14 firearms, ammunition and other items stolen from a Winnfield firearm seller on March 22, 2015. Howard drove four juveniles to a store where they burglarized it. They took and loaded eight rifles, five shotguns, a revolver, ammunition, firearms parts, knives and other items into Howard’s van, which they took to Howard and Thomas’ house.  Police found some of the firearms hidden under the house and other firearms at the house of one of the juveniles.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.

The ATF and the Winnfield Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Tallulah based tax preparer was sentenced Monday to two years in prison for aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a tax return containing false information.

Frankie Cammack, 48, of Tallulah, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a fraudulent and false tax return. The defendant was also ordered to pay $92,339 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury. According to testimony presented during the June 16, 2016 guilty plea, Cammack prepared 26 returns for eight different taxpayers for tax years 2009 through 2012, all of which contained false information regarding either business expenses or education credits. The false information was used to generate excessive refunds totaling $114,791 to the taxpayers.

“Preparers have a duty to make sure that the documents they file follow the law,” Finley stated. “Tax fraud hurts those who pay their taxes, and they should get legitimate refunds.”

“We are pleased with the sentence handed down today for Ms. Cammack,” stated Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Jerome R. McDuffie. “The tax system is built on the premise that taxpayers file accurate and timely tax returns.  Ms. Cammack was in the business of preparing tax returns for others and willfully prepared and submitted false documents to the IRS. To ensure confidence in our tax system, special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation are committed to the aggressive pursuit and prosecution of individuals who intentionally violate the nation’s laws.”

The IRS conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 97 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing the firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Carlos Tramell Russell, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the June 23, 2016 guilty plea, Shreveport Police responded to a domestic dispute call on July 8, 2015. Russell was reported to have been seen with a firearm during an incident at a Shreveport residence. Officers then searched Russell’s home and found a Romarm pistol, model Micro Draco, 7.62 by 39 mm and ammunition in his home. They also found three bags of cocaine. Russell had prior felony convictions in 2005 and 2010.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican citizen pleaded guilty last week to a charge that he reentered the United States illegally four times.

Miguel Rosales-Sanchez, 45, of Mexico, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Rosales-Sanchez was arrested in St. Mary Parish on February 7, 2016. He was previously removed from the United States in 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2010.

Rosales-Sanchez faces two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of December 8, 2016 was set.

United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Grayson man pleaded guilty last week to manufacturing and selling firearm silencers.

Dustin B. Demoss, 31, of Grayson, La., pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of illegally selling and manufacturing firearm silencers. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to the guilty plea, in May 2016, the ATF conducted a controlled purchase of three firearm silencers from a target of the investigation who later identified Demoss as the manufacturer of the silencers. Demoss sold the silencers from a Facebook site called “Angel of Death Tactical,” without having paid the special occupational tax and not having registered the silencers as required by federal law. A search was conducted at Demoss’ residence on May 19, 2016.  Several firearms were seized with silencers attached, as well as assorted silencer parts with drilled baffles and end caps, other assorted parts for making silencers, and boxes of parts showing mailing information that they were imported from India. Demoss also had drill presses used to complete the manufacture of silencers. 

Demoss faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine. A sentencing date of December 20, 2016 was set.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.

The ATF conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James C. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette woman pleaded guilty last week to stealing from mail while she worked as a contract postal carrier.

Helen J. Nelson, 72, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to one count of theft of mail matter by a postal service employee. According to the guilty plea, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General hotline received a complaint in May of 2016 that a mailed $250 gift card was never received. The missing card was traced to Nelson, who was a contract mail carrier, and an investigation was conducted. She was observed May 26, 2016 driving her Lake Charles/Deridder area route. She stopped at a Lake Charles store’s parking lot where she was seen moving mail from the back of the truck to the front and later throwing away a bag in a trash can. Torn up mail was later found in the retrieved bag. Upon confronting Nelson about the destroyed mail, she admitted to opening mail, searching its contents, taking or discarding some of the mails’ contents and resealing envelopes. She also admitted to taking the $250 gift card.

Nelson faces five years in prison, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of December 15, 2016 was set.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Delhi man pleaded guilty Monday to producing child pornography.

Daniel Lee Brown, 28, of Delhi, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert G. James to one count of receiving child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Brown used the internet and Facebook, pretended to be a teenager, and directed an out-of-state 12-year-old child to produce and send him child pornography.  Brown received this child pornography using his computer in Delhi on October 28, 2014.

Brown faces five to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  He also faces forfeiture of the equipment used to store the child pornography.  He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. A sentencing date of December 5, 2016 was set.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bossier City Marshal’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley stated that: “The Western District of Louisiana remembers all of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. It has been 15 years since the terror attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, and the tragic loss of life still impacts us today.  It never gets easy remembering the fear we felt and the images of destruction that are not common in our country. We also recall the courageous acts of valor from first responders and citizens who gave their all to help those affected by the attacks. We cannot forget the fallen soldiers from the Western District of Louisiana who answered the call to defend this nation.  They are in our thoughts every time the Department of Justice works to eliminate threats to national security.  No aspect of our work is more important or more urgent.  As we reflect on this day, let’s take a moment to remember all of those who have died here and abroad and continue to keep their families in our prayers.” 

Below is a list of Louisiana’s Fallen Heroes who served Honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operating Enduring Freedom.  Thank you to all of those who continue to serve!

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Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew T. Weathers, of DeRidder, La, Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher O. Grant, 20, of Richwood, La., Army Spc. Christopher R. Drake, 20, of Tickfaw, La., Army Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Henderson, 27, of Franklin, La., Air Force Tech. Sgt. Larry Bunn, 43, of Bossier City, La., Marine Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, 28, of Pearl River, La., Army Capt. Aaron D. Istre, 37, of Vinton, La., Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Joseph P. Fitzmorris, 31, of West Monroe, La., Navy Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, 32, of Shreveport, La., Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, 32, of Shreveport, La., Army Sgt. Christopher P. Soderlund, 23, of Pineville, La., Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Garcia, 27, of Bossier City, La., Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Douville, 33, of Harvey, La., Marine Cpl. Matthew T. Richard, 21, of Acadia, La., Army Staff Sgt. Quadi S. Hudgins, 26, of New Orleans, Army Spc. Christian J. Romig, 24, of Kenner, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Dakota R. Huse, 19, of Greenwood, La., Army Spc. Steven L. Dupont, 20, of Lafayette, La., Army Spc. Matthew C. Powell, 20, of Slidell, La., Marine Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, La., Marine Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman, 23, of Jonesboro, La., Army Sgt. Jordan E. Tuttle, 22, of West Monroe, La., Army Pfc. Bryant J. Haynes, 21, of Epps, La., Army Maj. Ronald W. Culver Jr., 44, of Shreveport, La., Army Sgt. Joshua A. Tomlinson, 24, of Dubberly, La., Army Sgt. Patrick O. Williamson, 24, of Broussard, La., Army Pfc. Brian R. Bates Jr., 20, of Gretna, La., Army Spc. Michael S. Cote Jr., 20, of Denham Springs, La., Army Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes, 18, of Hammond, La., Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La., Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Milton E. Suggs, 51, of Lockport, La., Air Force Senior Airman Omar J. McKnight, 22, of Marrero, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class David J. Todd Jr., 36, of Marrero, La., Marine Staff Sgt. Danny P. Dupre, 28, of Lockport, La., Army Pfc. Bryan M. Thomas, 22, of Lake Charles, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class David R. Hurst, 31, of Kenner, La., Army Cpl. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, La., Army Sgt. Joseph A. Richard III, 27, of Lafayette, La., Army Sgt. Terrell W. Gilmore, 38, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Gabel, 30, of Crowley, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jarred S. Fontenot, 35, of Port Barre, La., Army Pvt. Justin T. Sanders, 22, of Watson, La., Army Spc. Charles E. Leonard Jr., 29, of Monroe, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La., Army Cpl. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., Marine Cpl. Willie P. Celestine Jr., 21, of Lafayette, La., Army Pvt. Mark W. Graham, 22, of Lafayette, La., Army Staff Sgt. Ronnie L. Sanders, 26, of Thibodaux, La., Army Spc. Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jacob G. McMillan, 25, of Lafayette, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Myles C. Sebastien, 21, of Opelousas, La., Army Spc. Joshua B. Madden, 21, of Sibley, La., Army Sgt. Jay R. Gauthreaux, 26, of Thibodaux, La., Army Pvt. Joshua C. Burrows, 20, of Bossier City, La., Army Cpl. Joseph C. Dumas Jr., 25, of New Orleans, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Jon E. Bowman, 21, of Dubach, La., Marine Lance Cpl. John E. Hale, 20, of Shreveport, La., Army Cpl. Marcus A. Cain, 20, of Crowley, La., Army Sgt. Matthew J. Vosbein, 30, of Metairie, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin, 28, of Natchitoches, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class Terry O.P. Wallace, 33, of Winnsboro, La., Corpsman 3rd Class Lee Hamilton Deal, 23, of West Monroe, La., Army Spc. Brandon L. Teeters, 21, of Lafayette, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Derrick J. Cothran, 21, of Avondale, La., Marine Pfc. Chase A. Edwards, 19, of Lake Charles, La., Army Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Lewis, 32, of Bunkie, La., Marine 1st Lt. Brandon R. Dronet, 33, of Erath, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Barnes, 20, of West Monroe, La., Army Spc. William S. Hayes III, 23, of St. Tammany, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Billy D. Brixey Jr., 21, of Ferriday, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan S. McCurdy, 20, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Sgt. Julia V. Atkins, 22, of Bossier City, La., Army Pfc. Benny S. Franklin, 19, of Hammond, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jens E. Schelbert, 31, of New Orleans, La., Army Sgt. Willard T. Partridge, 35, of Ferriday, La., Marine Cpl. David S. Stewart, 24, of Bogalusa, La., Navy Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, La., Marine Cpl. Chad W. Powell, 22, of West Monroe, La., Army Sgt. David J. Murray, 23, of Clinton, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class Peter J. Hahn, 31, of Kenner, La., Army Sgt. Robin V. Fell, 22, of Shreveport, La., Army Sgt. Bernard L. Sembly II, 25, of Bossier City, La., Army 1st Sgt. Michael J. Bordelon, 37, of Morgan City, La., Marine Cpl. Richard P. Schoener, 21, of Hayes, La., Army Sgt. Maj. Barbaralien Banks, 41, of Harvey, La., Army Sgt. Isiah J. Sinclair, 31, of Natchitoches, La., Army Sgt. Lee M. Godbolt, 23, of New Orleans, La., Army Sgt. Paul M. Heltzel, 39, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Sgt. Nicholas J. Olivier, 26, of Ruston, La., Army Spc. Seth R. Trahan, 20, of Crowley, La., Army Sgt. Rene Knox Jr., 22, of New Orleans, La., Army Spc. Christopher J. Ramsey, 20, of Batchelor, La., Army Spc. Michael S. Evans II, 22, Marrero, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan R. Reed, 25, of Opelousas, La., Army Staff Sgt. William F. Manuel, 34, of Kinder, La., Army Sgt. Robert W. Sweeney III, 22, of Pineville, La., Army Spc. Warren A. Murphy, 29, of Marrero, La., Army Spc. Armand "Luke" Frickey, 20, Houma, La., Army Spc. Huey P.L. Fassbender, 24, of LaPlace, La., Army Spc. Bradley J. Bergeron, 25, of Houma, La., Army Sgt. Christopher J. Babin, 27, of Houma, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class Kurt J. Comeaux, 34, of Raceland, La., Army Sgt. Craig L. Nelson, 21, of Bossier City, La., Army 1st Lt. Christopher W. Barnett, 32, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Pfc. Lionel Ayro, 22, of Jeanerette, La., Marine Sgt. Jeffrey L. Kirk, 24, of Baton Rouge, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Justin D. McLeese, 19, of Covington, La., Marine Pfc. David P. Burridge, 19, of Lafayette, La., Army Spc. Joseph C. Thibodeaux 24, of Lafayette, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Larry L. Wells 22, of Mount Hermon, La., Army Pfc. Torey J. Dantzler 22; of Columbia, La., Army Pfc. Charles C. Persing 20, of Albany, La., Army Spc. Robert L. DuSang 24, of Mandeville, La., Army Spc. Jeremy M. Heines 25, of New Orleans, La., Army Cpl. David M. Fraise 24, of New Orleans, La., Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Mogensen 26, of Leesville, La., Army Pfc. James P. Lambert 23, of Ascension Parish, La., Army Command Sgt. Maj. Edward C. Barnhill 50, of Shreveport, La., Army Staff Sgt. Toby W. Mallet 26, of Kaplan, La., Army Staff Sgt. Craig Davis 37, of Opelousas, La., Army Pfc. Kristian E. Parker, 23, of Slidell, La., Army Sgt. Taft V. Williams, 29, of New Orleans, La., Army Sgt. Floyd G. Knighten Jr., 55, of Olla, La., Army Spc. Levi B. Kinchen, 21, of Tickfaw, La., and Army Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard, 20, of Lake Charles, La.

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This year the Department of Justice took part in a series of events marking the 15th anniversary. They started with a ceremony on Friday, September 9, which dedicated of a plaque for the department’s own “Survivor Tree.” The department’s tree was a seedling from the famed the Callery pear tree that once stood on the original World Trade Center Plaza.  The collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 nearly destroyed it, but the original tree was nursed back to health, and today it stands strong again at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, where it is often adorned with tributes. 

Fruit from the World Trade Center Survivor Tree was harvested in the fall of 2011.  In the summer of 2013, the students of John Bowne High School in Flushing, Queens, N.Y., took the seedlings and continued to care for them.  The 9/11 Memorial graciously donated one of these very special Survivor Tree seedlings to the Department of Justice, which was planted in the U.S. Department of Justice Courtyard in Washington, D.C.

Additionally, the Department of Justice marked the anniversary with U.S. Attorney General Lorretta E. Lynch attending the New York City Fire Department’s 15th Anniversary Memorial Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York on Saturday, September 10; the attorney general attending the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Plaza in New York today; and the attorney general delivering remarks at the 9/11 Memorial Service at the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, N.Y., today.

The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance is also observed today. Since 2002 it has been an effort to inspire charitable service on 9/11 as a tribute to 9/11 victims, survivors and those who lent support in the wake of the terror attacks. Find out more about how to serve at www.serve.gov/site-page/september-11th-national-day-service-and-remembrance.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Louisiana third party commercial driver’s license skills examiner was sentenced Thursday to one year supervised probation and fined $2,400 for falsifying test results by indicating a passing grade for driving skills tests that never took place.

Christopher D. Pender, 41, of Stonewall, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of making and using a false writing and document. According to the May 4, 2016 guilty plea, Pender, who was certified to administer commercial driver’s license skills tests, provided an applicant with a “Commercial Driver’s Skills Test Certificate” in November of 2014 when the applicant had not even taken, much less passed, the federally required test. He did this in exchange for cash, which allowed the applicant to fraudulently obtain a Louisiana commercial driver’s license.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Flanagan and Michael O’Mara prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal grand jury returned a 32-count indictment, unsealed today, charging six company officials of Explo Systems Inc. of defrauding the federal government and committing federal offenses relating to a munitions demilitarization contract with the U.S. Army.

Explo owner David Perry Fincher, 68, of Burns, Tenn.; owner David Alan Smith, 61, of Winchester, Ky.; Vice Present of Operations William Terry Wright, 62, of Bossier City, La.; Program Manager Kenneth Wayne Lampkin, 64, of Haughton, La.; Traffic and Inventory Control Manager Lionel Wayne Koons, 57, of Haughton; and Director of Engineering and Environmental Control Charles Ferris Callihan, 66, of Shreveport, were all charged with one count of criminal conspiracy. The indictment also charges multiple counts of making false statements to a federal agency or official and wire fraud. See Appendix.

Explo Systems Inc. is a private company whose primary business operations involved the demilitarization of military munitions and the subsequent resale of the recovered energetic materials for mining operations. According to the indictment, the U.S. Army awarded Explo a contract on March 24, 2010 to dispose of 450,000 155 mm artillery propelling charges designated as M119A2 for $2,902,500. The Army and Explo officials later amended the contract on March 6, 2012 to dispose of 1,350,000 charges for $8,617,500.  Once Explo demilitarized the propelling charge, ownership of the residual components (M6 propellant or M6) transferred to Explo. The contract required Explo to properly store and dispose of the demilitarized M6. The contract also required Explo to document the sale of the demilitarized M6 by completing an End User Certificate (EUC). On the EUC, the purchaser of the demilitarized M6 certified the purchase and compliance with applicable federal laws. Once the EUCs were certified, Explo submitted the EUCs to the Army.

On October 15, 2012, an explosion occurred at a munitions storage igloo on Camp Minden. The explosion contained approximately 124,190 pounds of smokeless powder and a box van trailer containing approximately 42,240 pounds of demilitarized M6. The damage destroyed the igloo and trailer, shattered windows of dwellings within a four-mile radius, and derailed 11 rail cars near the storage igloo.  

The indictment alleges that the defendants made false statements to the Army’s Joint Munitions Command (JMC) to procure and maintain the M6 demilitarization contract; caused the improper and unsafe storage of demilitarized M6 propellant and other explosive material on Explo’s Camp Minden facility; obstructed and impeded government inspections and examinations of areas of the facility where the explosive materials were improperly stored; caused third parties to sign off on EUCs as purchasers when in fact no sales had occurred; caused false EUCs containing forged and fabricated signatures to be submitted to the JMC; caused the improper storage and subsequent transportation of reactive hazardous waste to unpermitted non-hazardous waste landfills in Louisiana and Arkansas to make room for storage of M6 propellant at Camp Minden; and made false statements after the October 15, 2012 explosion to government officials and others in order to conceal their illegal conduct and prevent discovery of improperly stored M6.

 “Companies tasked with the demilitarization of military grade explosives are required to properly document, safely store and dispose of these materials,” said U.S. Attorney Finley.  “These measures are taken to protect the public and the environment. Any business that does not honor its contract or abide by federal and state laws will be prosecuted.”

“We are very pleased with today’s announcement,” said Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit.  “Fortunately, no one was injured, and these indictments will serve as a strong deterrent to those thinking of defrauding the government.”

“These indictments demonstrate that EPA, and its law enforcement partners will hold accountable those who fail to comply with the laws that protect our communities,” said Chris Brooks Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Region, EPA-Criminal Investigation Division.

The defendants face five years in prison for the conspiracy count, five years in prison for each false statement count, and 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count. They also face a $250,000 fine and three to five years of supervised release for each count.

The Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, and the Louisiana State Police-Emergency Service Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.

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

APPENDIX OF DEFENDANTS AND CHARGES

David Perry Fincher: Criminal conspiracy (count 1); false statements (counts 2-24); wire fraud (counts 27-32)

David Alan Smith: Criminal conspiracy (count 1); false statements (counts 2-24); wire fraud (counts 27-32)

William Terry Wright: Criminal conspiracy (count 1); false statements (counts 2-24); wire fraud (counts 27-32)

Kenneth Wayne Lampkin: Criminal conspiracy (count 1); false statements (counts 2-24); wire fraud (counts 27-32)

Lionel Wayne Koons: Criminal conspiracy (count 1); false statements (counts 2-24; 26); wire fraud (counts 27-32)

Charles Ferris Callihan: Criminal conspiracy (count 1); false statement (count 25)

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Patterson man was sentenced to 60 months in prison Monday for his role in a scheme to use stolen identities to file false tax returns and pocket refunds.

Louis W. Carbins Jr., 37, of Patterson, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, seven counts of theft of government money and one count of aggravated identity theft. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $43,045.31 to the IRS and $2,196.71 to Patterson State Bank in restitution. Carbins was found guilty on all charges after a three-day trial that ended on May 25, 2016.

According to evidence submitted at trial, from February 2013 to August 2013, Carbins and co-defendant Laphrida T. Watts, 40, from Morgan City, La., but who currently resides in Palmdale, Calif., knew and allowed individuals from overseas to use stolen identities to file tax returns. The overseas individuals then directed the IRS to deposit the refunds into Carbins’ bank accounts. Carbins and Watts would then wire some of the money overseas and keep the rest.  The IRS issued more than $815,000 in refunds to Carbins’ accounts. Carbins and Watts spent $45,681.22 of the funds.

Watts pleaded guilty on January 13, 2016 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aggravated identity theft. She faces up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the conspiracy count and an additional two years in prison for the identity theft count. Watts is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2016.

The IRS conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and Robert F. Moore are prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Mexico was sentenced Monday to eight months in prison for reentering the United States illegally.

Alex Trigo-Hinojosa, 39, of Arcabuz, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the April 19, 2016 guilty plea, state police troopers arrested the defendant on July 23, 2015 in Acadia Parish for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Upon further investigation, it was learned that Trigo-Hinojosa had been previously deported in August of 2013.

United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lecompte man was sentenced Monday to one year and one day in prison for taking more than $125,000.

Glen Wayne Williams, 56, of Lecompte, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of theft of government property. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $125,456.18 restitution. According to evidence presented at the May 20, 2016 guilty plea, Williams applied for and received Social Security Income (SSI) based on a disability beginning in November of 1995.  However, Williams also received disability payments from his employer which he did not disclose to the Social Security Administration as required.  The private disability income made Williams ineligible for the SSI he was paid from 1995 through 2014.  Williams unlawfully received a total of $125,456.18 from the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison for buying drugs overseas and shipping them to himself.

Michael Munro Jr., 37, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of smuggling controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV narcotics. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the March 15, 2016 guilty plea, Munro was arrested in November of 2014 and July of 2015 for buying illegal narcotics online overseas and having them delivered to U.S. Post Offices and FedEx locations in Lafayette and surrounding areas. Munro told agents that in March of 2014 he began ordering pills via the internet using the now defunct Silk Road website. Munro admitted to ordering Xanax, Alprazolam and OxyContin at various times.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Lafayette Metro Narcotics. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Moore and John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette woman was sentenced Monday to 120 months in prison for defrauding investors out of more than $2 million.

Catherine Doucet Romero, 53, of Lafayette, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee Drell on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,043,007 in restitution. According to the August 31, 2015 guilty plea, from March 2007 to July 2009, Romero convinced victims to invest by telling them that their money was going to be used to purchase a manufacturing facility and tannery for exotic skin products, to include alligator and stingray. Instead, Romero used the money to pay personal bills and expenses of an unrelated business. The amount stolen in the scheme is $2,043,007.

As noted by the Court at sentencing, Romero began the scheme shortly after being released from jail as a result of both a state and federal conviction for engaging in a different scheme to defraud in the early 1990s.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced Tuesday to 120 months in prison for possessing a loaded revolver after being convicted of a felony.

Joseph Dominic Pronnette Jr., 34, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the April 20, 2016 guilty plea, members of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force executed an arrest warrant on September 13, 2015 on Pronnette for a prior felony and for violating his parole.  He was found in the driver’s seat of a car parked behind a residence in Shreveport and resisted arrest.  After he was removed from the car and taken into custody, a loaded .38 caliber revolver was found on the driver’s seat. During the guilty plea, the defendant admitted the weapon was his.

It is unlawful for Pronnette to possess a firearm or ammunition as he has prior felony convictions for felony theft, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and domestic abuse aggravated assault.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.

The ATF, U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, and the Louisiana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican citizen was sentenced Monday to 120 months in prison for conspiring to transport and distribute methamphetamine.

Eduardo Guerrero, 24, of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release.  According to the April 14, 2016 guilty plea, Louisiana State Police troopers conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck traveling eastbound on Interstate 20 in Ouachita Parish in March of 2015.  After a search of the vehicle, two gas tanks were found on the vehicle, one of which contained 16 gallons of liquid methamphetamine or 28.8 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.  Neither the driver nor the passenger owned the vehicle.  Guerrero was the registered owner of the vehicle.  The methamphetamine was transported from El Paso, Texas, and was intended for Atlanta, Georgia.  State police arrested Guerrero in the New Orleans area while he traveled to retrieve the truck and methamphetamine.

The DEA, Department of Homeland Security, and Louisiana State Police, Troop F, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison D. Bushnell and Michael O’Mara prosecuted the case.

LAKE CHARLES – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Lake Charles woman was sentenced to 15 months in prison for stealing more than $230,000 from her employer’s bank account.

Melissa D. Crookshank, 33, of Lake Charles, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi on one count of wire fraud. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $235,155.79 restitution. According to the May 19, 2016 guilty plea, Crookshank, who worked as a bookkeeper for a Hackberry, La., company, stole $235,155.79 from her employer starting in 2009 and continuing until January of 2015. Crookshank issued checks to herself during that time without authorization from the company owners, which she deposited into her own bank accounts for personal use.

The U.S. Secret Service and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph prosecuted the case. 

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a citizen of El Salvador was sentenced to 12 months in prison for transporting illegal immigrants for his own profit.

Raul Alexander Soriano, 29, of San Salvador, El Salvador, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi on one count of transporting illegal aliens. According to the April 20, 2016 guilty plea, U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped Soriano’s vehicle on December 22, 2015, near Lake Charles.  Four passengers were found in the vehicle with Soriano, and each admitted to being in the United States illegally. The passengers had paid Soriano to be transported to other areas of the United States as part of a human smuggling operation.

United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a prisoner in Jackson pleaded guilty last week for sending threatening messages to U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes.

Charles Lidberg, 27, a prisoner at the Dixon Correctional Center in Jackson, La., pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of making threatening communications. According to the guilty plea, Lidberg, who was serving time at the state correctional institution for an unrelated crime, mailed a letter on February 19, 2014 to Judge Hayes’ office stating that he would hunt down and kill her after he was released from prison. Lidberg said his friend promised him half a million dollars to kill the judge if she sentenced Lidberg’s friend to more than 10 years in prison. Lidberg also said he did not state his friend’s name because that would “take the fun out of this.” He also gave a second letter threatening the judge to a fellow inmate who turned it over to law enforcement agents.

Lidberg faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $5 million fine. A sentencing date of December 7, 2016 was set.

The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Delhi medical doctor pleaded guilty Tuesday to writing illegal prescriptions.

Dan J. LaFleur, 64, of Delhi, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of distribution of Suboxone, a Schedule III medication used to treat opiate addiction. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr.  According to the guilty plea, Dr. LaFleur issued illegal prescriptions from 2012 through February 2013 from his residence in Delhi, from the Northeast Louisiana Health Center in Rayville, and from his suboxone clinic in Rayville, La.  On February 6, 2013, law enforcement executed seven search warrants at the locations and several pharmacies in Rayville and Delhi.  Illegal prescriptions, patient records, bags, cartons, packages, and prescription bottles containing Schedule III and IV controlled substances were seized at all of the locations.

LaFleur faces up to 10 years in prison, two years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.

The DEA and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lake Charles man in federal prison custody pleaded guilty last week to federal escape charges after failing to report to a halfway house according to terms of home confinement.

Shaun Daigle, 37, of Lake Charles, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of escape from extended custody. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Daigle was serving a period of home confinement in Lake Charles after being released by the Forrest City Federal Correction Institution in Arkansas. As part of the terms of his home confinement, he was required to report to the halfway house any time they requested. He was also required to remain in home confinement as ordered by the Bureau of Prisons. On May 7, 2016, Daigle was ordered to return to the CINC II Halfway House in Lake Charles and did not show up. He was found on May 8, 2016 in Westlake, La., and was arrested.

Daigle faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of November 10, 2016 was set.

The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the Westlake Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Mexico was sentenced last week to 15 months in prison for returning to the United States illegally after being deported.

Elior Daniel Sifuentes, 34, of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of aggravated illegal re-entry of a removed alien. According to the April 14, 2016 guilty plea, Bossier City Police arrested Sifuentes on October 26, 2015 for failure to appear for various traffic violations. After his arrest, police discovered that Sifuentes was an illegal alien who had been deported in April of 2009 for a prior felony of illegal use of a weapon in state court and had not received permission to reenter the country.

Homeland Security Investigations-Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Belcher man was sentenced to five years and five months in prison for distributing methamphetamine in northwest Louisiana.

Norman Phillip Mitchell, 43, of Belcher, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of distribution of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to four years of supervised release. According to the April 14, 2016 guilty plea, during the course of the investigation, methamphetamine was purchased from the defendant in April and May of 2015 in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Approximately 27.4 grams of methamphetamine on April 15, 2015 and 26.5 grams on May 7, 2015 was purchased from Mitchell.

The DEA and the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed a motion to dismiss the pending indictment in United States v. Larry C. Deen and Clifton and Clinton Blakey, a former sheriff and used car dealers. The defendants were indicted for criminal conspiracy and federal program theft. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote will rule on the motion.

The trial date was set for August 15, 2016. On June 16, 2016, as the Government was preparing for the trial, a key Government witness died unexpectedly. The Government reassessed the remaining admissible evidence in the case and made a determination that there was sufficient proof to proceed to trial. However, on August 4, 2016, a second key Government witness retracted previous statements made during the course of the investigation. In light of the witness developments, the Government believes that its ability to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt has been seriously jeopardized. 

United States Attorney Stephanie Finley stated: “I have authorized the prosecutors in this case to seek dismissal of the pending charges based on evidentiary developments in this case. The untimely death of a significant government witness and the change of testimony by a second witness has called into question our ability to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt. I am mindful of our obligation to continually assess the evidence in our possession in light of our burden of proof, and to ensure that the interests of justice are met.”

Former Officer Willie Fred Knowles, 66, of the Homer, Louisiana, Police Department pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of a woman identified only as K.M., announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana.  Knowles also pleaded guilty to making false statements about the incident to the FBI.

According to the plea agreement, Knowles admitted that, on Oct. 29, 2012, he got into a verbal argument with K.M., who was not under arrest at the time, while he was on duty.  He further admitted that during the argument, he pushed her down and struck her face and body without justification.  Knowles also admitted that he falsely told FBI agents that the woman started the incident by grabbing him and jumping on his back, and that he never hit her.  However, Knowles acknowledged that, in fact, he had started the physical altercation when he pushed the woman down and struck her.

“Without any legitimate reason or cause, this officer chose to use violent force against the victim and then lie to try to cover up his crime,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta.  “Whenever law enforcements officers break the law they take an oath to uphold, they violate the public trust and threaten the reputation of their colleagues who wear the badge and perform their jobs with honor and distinction.”

“This officer’s actions tarnish the reputations and standards upheld by thousands who work in law enforcement across our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Finley.  “Our office will continue to make civil rights cases a priority.”

Knowles will be sentenced on Nov. 9, 2016.  At sentencing, Knowles faces a maximum sentence of five years in jail for making false statements to the FBI and one year in prison for the civil rights charge.

This case was investigated by the FBI.  The case was referred to the FBI by the Louisiana State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana.

SHREVEPORT, La. – Former Officer Willie Fred Knowles, 66, of the Homer Police Department pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of a woman identified only as K.M., announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana.  Knowles also pleaded guilty to making false statements about the incident to the FBI.   

According to the plea agreement, Knowles admitted that, on October 29, 2012, he got into a verbal argument with K.M., who was not under arrest at the time, while he was on duty.  He further admitted that during the argument, he pushed her down and struck her face and body without justification.  Knowles also admitted that he falsely told FBI agents that the woman started the incident by grabbing him and jumping on his back, and that he never hit her.  However, Knowles acknowledged that, in fact, he had started the physical altercation when he pushed the woman down and struck her.     

“Without any legitimate reason or cause, this officer chose to use violent force against the victim and then lie to try to cover up his crime,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta.  “Whenever law enforcements officers break the law they take an oath to uphold, they violate the public trust and threaten the reputation of their colleagues who wear the badge and perform their jobs with honor and distinction.”

“This officer’s actions tarnish the reputations and standards upheld by thousands who work in law enforcement across our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Finley.  “Our office will continue to make civil rights cases a priority.”

Knowles will be sentenced on Nov. 9, 2016.  At sentencing, Knowles faces a maximum sentence of five years in jail for making false statements to the FBI and one year in prison for the civil rights charge.   

This case was investigated by the FBI.  The case was referred to the FBI by the Louisiana State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 66 months in prison for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Latrenton D. Washington, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the April 8, 2016 guilty plea, while executing a warrant for another defendant at Washington’s residence on August 12, 2014, Shreveport police and Louisiana Probation and Parole agents discovered marijuana, scales and drug packaging items along with a loaded Romarm WASR-10 semi-automatic (AK-47 style) rifle with a drum magazine holding 65 rounds of 7.62x39 mm ammunition and a loaded Taurus .45 caliber pistol in Washington’s bedroom.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.

The ATF, Louisiana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole, and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Texas man was sentenced last week to 87 months in prison for possessing cocaine for later sale.

David Matthews, 54, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minladi on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the guilty plea, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s officer stopped Matthews’ vehicle on March 20, 2012 for a traffic violation. After a search of the vehicle, the officer found 2 kilograms of powder cocaine and 118 pounds of marijuana in three large trash bags in the vehicle’s extended cab.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Sulphur man pleaded guilty Thursday to submitting a false certification to perform inspections on a nuclear module being constructed at a Lake Charles construction yard.

Joseph B. Burnworth, 35, of Sulphur, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minladi to one count of submission of false information. According to the guilty plea, from April to August of 2013, Burnworth performed quality control visual inspections of welds on a nuclear module being constructed by a company in Lake Charles. The defendant did not possess the certification required to perform such work and instead used a false certificate to secure the job.  He performed 150 such inspections, which had to be re-inspected by a properly certified inspector. Additionally, Burnworth assisted two other individuals with obtaining and presenting false certifications to gain similar employment.

Burnworth faces up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $5,000 fine. A sentencing date of November 3, 2016 was set.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Dominic Rossetti are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a man and woman from Shreveport were found guilty after a trial of having a minor female from Texas engage in prostitution in Shreveport.

Tyrone Larry Smith, 37, and Lacoya Washington, 33, both of Shreveport, were found guilty of one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and Smith was also found guilty of one count of coercing or enticing a minor to travel to engage in prostitution. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided over the bench trial, which started Monday and ended today. According to evidence presented at trial, Smith began conversing with a 14-year-old female from Texas over an internet dating service in June of 2015. He convinced her to travel to Shreveport saying he had feelings for her. Upon arriving in Shreveport, the female met Smith and Washington and stayed at their home. That same month, they brought her to local hotels where she engaged in prostitution. If she resisted, Smith struck her and abused her in order for her to continue the illegal activity. Smith also took the money from the prostitution. The minor was contacted by authorities who later arrested Smith and Washington.

The defendants face a minimum of 15 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. They are also required to register as sex offenders. A sentencing date of November 1, 2016 was set.

The FBI investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Earl M. Campbell are prosecuting the case.

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

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Mexico pleaded guilty Monday to submitting false information when applying for a passport.

Juan Carlos Guzman, 36 of Mexico, entered a conditional guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna, for one count of making a false statement on a passport application. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Guzman used another individual’s name, birthdate and social security number and submitted the documents to the Iberia Parish Clerk of Court in New Iberia, La., on March 31, 2015 to process the passport application. Guzman was in the country illegally.

Guzman faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.

The U.S. State Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a woman from Many pleaded guilty Tuesday to possessing a short-barreled shotgun.

Christi Rene McPherson, 36, of Many, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun. According to information submitted at the guilty plea, McPherson contacted the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in October of 2015, to find out if any of the firearms that she had allegedly taken from the home of her ex-boyfriend had been stolen. The deputy checked the serial numbers and informed McPherson that one of them had been stolen from the home of a local resident. The deputy then attempted to set up a meeting with McPherson to take possession of the firearm, but she failed to show up. McPherson was later found at a convenience store in possession of a black bag containing a 12-gauge shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, five grenade simulators, a Kevlar vest and other firearms.  McPherson was also found to be in possession of 3 grams of methamphetamine and 12 pills of Lorazepam.  Federal law requires that shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches long be registered.

McPherson faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine and forfeiture of the seized items. A sentencing date of October 31, 2016, was set.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.

The ATF and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph is prosecuting the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the former executive director of the Morgan City Housing Authority and three former employees were sentenced for a conspiracy related to theft of half a million dollars.

Charles E. Spann, 78, of Kingsport, Tenn., was sentenced to 36 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $111,657.47 restitution on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Tori D. Johnson, 38, of Morgan City, La., was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $100,040.23 restitution on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Diana L. Pace, 64, of Morgan City was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $137,660.72 restitution on one count of theft of government money. Sandra L. Greene, 59, of Morgan City, was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $165,405.46 restitution on one count of misprision of a felony. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the hearings.

According to the April 22, 2016 guilty pleas, the defendants received a total of $514,764.14 in bonus payments to which they were not entitled from 2007 to 2013. In 2007, a one-time bonus for work performed in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita was granted. After the one-time bonuses were sent to all employees of the housing authority, Johnson requested from Spann, who was executive director, that she, Spann and the other two employees, continue to receive bonuses. Johnson wrote false justifications for the bonuses and Spann signed off on them. The bonuses were not approved by the civil service board or the Morgan City Housing Authority Board of Directors. Span received $111,657.47, Johnson received $100,040.23, Greene received $165.405.46 and Pace received $137,660.72 to which they were not entitled.

The U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Investigations, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Lafayette Buddhist monk was sentenced to 30 months in prison for wrongfully taking more than $263,000 from his own temple.

Khang Nguyen Le, 36, a Vietnamese citizen who is living in Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $263,463.36 in restitution and may face deportation to Vietnam after release from prison. According to the March 17, 2016 guilty plea, Le was the president, presiding monk and resident of the temple of the Vietnamese Buddhist Association of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette from 2010 to October of 2014. From January of 2013 until August of 2014, Le wrongfully withdrew $263,463.36 in temple funds from the temple’s bank accounts to gamble at a Lake Charles casino.  Le would drive to Lake Charles and withdraw the money from temple bank accounts using automated teller machines and casino tellers. To hide his unlawful activity from temple members, Le would misrepresent the temple’s financial situation at meetings and gambled in lower-populated areas of the casino to avoid being seen. Le was at no time authorized by the temple to use its money for gambling purposes.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys David C. Joseph and Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Natchitoches man was sentenced Wednesday to 211 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine and a firearm.

Harold Jumale Anderson, 42, of Natchitoches, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 151 months in prison on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and 60 months on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the April 26, 2016 guilty plea, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled buy of methamphetamine using a confidential informant on August 18, 2015, in Alexandria.  After his arrest, Anderson’s residence was searched, and agents found more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded Ruger 9 mm handgun and additional ammunition in his bedroom.

The FBI and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Caddo Parish Commissioner Michael Dwayne Williams was sentenced to 14 months in prison for stealing from a nonprofit meant to help at-risk youth.

Williams, 55, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on 11 counts of wire fraud. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $8,584.68 restitution, a $10,000 fine and $1,100 to the Crime Victims Fund. According to evidence presented at the four-day trial that ended on March 10, 2016, Williams took more than $8,000 from a nonprofit’s bank account from October 1, 2012 through July 1, 2014. Williams urged the parish commission to appropriate public funds for the nonprofit SWAG Nation. Once those funds were allocated from the parish’s budget to SWAG Nation, Williams caused a bank debit card to be issued for the nonprofit. Between April of 2013 and July of 2014, Williams used the card to remove money on numerous occasions. According to the indictment, he took $100 to $200 each time that he made a withdrawal. Evidence presented at trial showed the defendant used the card in excess of 45 times for cash withdrawals and purchases.  SWAG Nation’s declared purpose is to partner with local institutions to help mentor and counsel at-risk individuals ages 7 to 17 so that they can better function in society.

“Mr. Williams put greed before the needs of his constituents by stealing money from a program set up to help at-risk youth,” stated Finley.  “His actions are a betrayal of the public trust and his oath of office.”

“Stealing is bad enough, but when you’re an elected official, you are stealing from the taxpayers who put their faith and trust in you,” Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator said. “Mr. Williams violated the public’s trust and should now be held accountable.”

The FBI and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph G. Jarzabek and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that an Alexandria man was sentenced to 20 months in prison for attempting to send obscene material to a minor.

William Ware, 40, of Alexandria, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to the April 12, 2016 guilty plea, on December 9, 2014, Ware contacted what he believed was a 13-year-old minor female using social media over the internet. He then sent the purported minor two sexually explicit videos using an internet chat service. The minor was in fact an undercover law enforcement agent, and Ware was later arrested.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourages 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.

LAFAYETTE – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a St. Landry woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing more than $116,000 from an Opelousas-based medical imaging business.

Misty Johnson, 40, of St. Landry, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to one count each of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and theft of mail. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Johnson worked as an office manager for an Opelousas medical imaging services business from January 2009 to July 2014. She was responsible for day-to-day financial operations including billing, payroll and managing of accounts payable and receivable. Her responsibilities included access to the company’s financial information and mail. She also had signatory authority on business accounts and was provided a company credit card for making purchases. In order to further the scheme, she would write checks to herself or to cash, issue herself additional paychecks and make unauthorized purchases on the company credit card. She would then alter the company’s account records to look as though she was properly paying the company’s bills. Johnson also stole company mail including past-due bills and brought them to her home. Johnson’s theft totaled $116,106.50.

Johnson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud count and five years for the theft of mail count. She also faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count. Additionally, she faces five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date was not set.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Rossetti and John Luke Walker are prosecuting the case. 

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Eunice man pleaded guilty Tuesday to convincing a minor girl to send him sexually explicit pictures.

Adam Shilow, 35, of Eunice, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to one count of receiving material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, starting in October of 2013, Shilow contacted a 12-year-old female using an internet-based communication application. He portrayed his identity as a juvenile male with his same name. They exchanged sexually explicit pictures of each other in November of 2013. The juvenile’s mother notified law enforcement of Shilow’s activities after noticing an inappropriate message on her daughter’s phone on November 15, 2013.

Shilow faces 15 to 40 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He is also required to register as a sex offender. A sentencing date was not set.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and the Nassau County of New York Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie is prosecuting the case.

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE.  Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that an Arizona man pleaded guilty last week to traveling from Texas to Louisiana in order to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

Jonathan Glosch, 27, of Golden Valley, Ariz., pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst to one count of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Glosch was traveling with an Arizona family in November of 2015 on their way to Louisiana. The family asked Glosch to leave the trip while in Texas. The mother believed he was having an inappropriate relationship with their 14-year-old daughter. Glosch stayed in contact with the daughter telling her that he had feelings for her and that they would run away together. He followed the family to Morgan City, La. On December 3, 2015, he picked up the daughter without the family’s knowledge and drove to Lafayette Parish. Law enforcement agents used information provided by the parents to track the defendant. The juvenile female was found with Glosch, and he was arrested.

Glosch faces 30 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He is also required to register as a sex offender. A sentencing date was not set.

The FBI, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and Morgan City Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.

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

Those concerned may also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.  The Lafayette FBI office number is (337) 233-2164.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that an Arkansas man was sentenced Tuesday to 60 months in prison for conspiring with several women to conduct a counterfeit check cashing scheme.

Dion Paul Barnes, 38, of Little Rock, Ark., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of conspiracy to make, utter or possess counterfeit securities.  He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $24,153.46 restitution.  According to the February 23, 2016 guilty plea, from January 2015 to June 2015, Barnes conspired with multiple individuals including April M. Augustine, 35, of Monroe, and Barbara J. Island, 32, of Bastrop, La., to make and cash counterfeit checks.  A Louisiana state trooper conducted a traffic stop near Sterlington, La., on June 10, 2016 on a Chevrolet Camaro the defendants were traveling in.  A search was conducted, and 48 counterfeit checks, a large stack of blank check stock paper, two laptop computers, three computer tablets, six cell phones and one print-scan-copy machine were found.  Troopers also found a DVD containing template software that could be used to produce fake identification cards.  The car they were riding in was also reported stolen.  Upon further investigation, Dion Barnes was found to be the leader of a scheme to cash counterfeit checks in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Louisiana.  Barnes is solely responsible for the creation of $39,712.22 worth of counterfeit checks.  Barnes, Augustine and Island are responsible for cashing a total of $2,274.73 worth of counterfeit checks.

Island was sentenced on April 18, 2016, to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and Augustine was sentenced on June 20, 2016, to five years of probation for the conspiracy count.  They were also ordered to pay $2,274.73 in restitution along with Barnes.

The U.S. Secret Service and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing a pistol and cocaine.

Carlos Tramell Russell, 30, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. According to the guilty plea, Shreveport Police responded to a domestic dispute call on July 8, 2015. Russell was reported to have been seen with a firearm during an incident at a Shreveport residence. Officers then searched Russell’s home and found a Romarm pistol, model Micro Draco, 7.62 by 39 mm and ammunition in his home. They also found three bags of cocaine. Russell had prior felony convictions in 2005 and 2010.

Russell faces up to 10 years in prison for the firearm count and five years to life for the drug count. He also faces up to five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of September 13, 2016 was set.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a North Carolina man pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing a sexually explicit image of a Lafayette minor.

Eric Teague, 47, of Granite Falls, N.C., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to one count of possession of child pornography. According to the guilty plea, Teague contacted a minor in the Lafayette area through a social media site online. The defendant received a sexually explicit image from the minor in January of 2015 and was later found in possession of the image.

Teague faces up to 10 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He is also required to register as a sex offender. A sentencing date of September 21, 2016 was set.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE.  Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Mexican citizen pleaded guilty to a charge that he reentered the United States illegally twice.

Mario Albert Mora-Villa, 41, of Mexico, pleaded guilty before by U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, immigration officers encountered Mora-Villa in the St. Mary Parish Detention Center. He admitted that he had been previously removed from the United States in March of 2007 and November of 2011, and he had not obtained permission to return to the country.

Mora-Villa faces two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of October 11, 2016 was set.

United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Monroe man was sentenced Monday to 77 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.

Antonio D’Andre Holmes, 36, of Monroe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of distribution of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the March 8, 2016 guilty plea, Holmes was recorded selling methamphetamine on August 13 and 25, 2015.  A confidential informant picked up the illegal drugs at Holmes’ Monroe residence and paid a total of $3,180. The methamphetamine bought during the sales weighed a total of 47.8 grams.

The defendant was arrested as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “River City Blues.”  The DEA, the Louisiana State Police, and the Lufkin Police Department investigated the case.  The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt and dismantle the targeted criminal organization, and to seize its assets. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Jena man pleaded guilty Monday to possessing unregistered silencers, which he also constructed and sold.

Robert E. Durham, 34, of Jena, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. It will become final once accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to the guilty plea, the defendant was recorded setting up a sale of silencers with an undercover ATF agent. They met on May 10, 2016 in Winnfield, La., and the undercover agent purchased three silencers. Law enforcement agents then searched Durham’s home on May 19, 2016. They found and seized silencers, homemade firearm suppressors, ammunition, tools and a drill press to make silencers, silencer parts, and packaged “solvent trap kits,” which are also used to make silencers. The silencers and silencer parts and kits are defined as firearms according to federal law and are required to be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The illegal silencers Durham possessed were not registered.

Durham faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine.  A sentencing date of October 5, 2016 was set.

The ATF and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a woman from Alexandria pleaded guilty Monday to stealing more than $36,000 in Social Security benefits.

Keyoka Jynes, 36, of Alexandria, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of theft of government property.  According to the guilty plea, Jynes stole $36,442 of supplemental Social Security income benefits from April 2008 until December 2013. Jynes did not notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) that her grandmother died in March 2008 and continued to receive her SSA benefits through 2013.

Jynes faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.  A sentencing date of September 26, 2016 was set.

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a woman from Alexandria pleaded guilty Monday to stealing more than $77,000 in Social Security benefit payments from her deceased mother’s bank account.

Sherilyn Ann Dowden, 59, of Alexandria, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of theft of government property.  According to the guilty plea, Dowden stole $77,445 in Social Security benefit payments from July 1, 2009 until March 31, 2015. Dowden wrote checks to herself and family members from an account for her deceased mother that the Social Security Administration (SSA) was depositing money into.  The SSA was unaware of Dowden’s mother’s death in June 2009, and Dowden did not inform SSA of it.

Dowden faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.  A sentencing date of September 26, 2016 was set.

The SSA Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Downsville man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for possessing firearms, ammunition and an unregistered silencer after he was previously convicted of a felony.

William David Futch, 44, of Downsville, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm silencer. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit the silencer, firearms and ammunition seized during the investigation.  According to the February 9, 2016 guilty plea, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a complaint on April 11, 2014 that Futch was at his home firing shots.  During this investigation, Futch was found in possession of a .45/.410 revolver, a 12 gauge shotgun, .a 22 caliber rifle with scope, a .22 caliber stainless rifle, a .22 caliber rifle with scope and bipod, a third .22 caliber rifle, a .223 caliber rifle, a 9 mm handgun, a .40 caliber handgun, ammunition and a firearm silencer.  He was previously convicted of a felony on three separate occasions.

This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm and to promote firearm safety.

The ATF and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.