Western District of Louisiana

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a New Iberia man pleaded guilty to videoing boys engaging in sexual activity over the internet.

Raymond F. Doyle III, 40, of New Iberia, La., entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik for one count of producing child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Doyle began communicating with numerous boys in the summer of 2011 using the internet and the video streaming internet service Skype. One of the boys was age 14 and from Oklahoma. Doyle caused the minor to engage in sex acts while being videoed using Skype. Doyle also sent the minor a sex toy to use during the video sessions. United States Postal Service agents determined Doyle’s location on April 12, 2012 by examining information related to the sex toy’s shipment. A search of Doyle’s home computer revealed evidence that Doyle had contact with more than 60 boys. In most cases, Doyle pretended to be a female in order to encourage the boys to communicate with him.

Doyle faces mandatory 30 years in prison, lifetime 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 U.S. Postal Service and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker 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) encourage 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.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Monroe woman was sentenced Monday to 24 months in prison for stealing more than $200,000 in Social Security benefit payments.

Cassandra D. Ellis, 53, of Monroe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of theft of government funds. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $206,325 restitution. According to evidence presented at the January 21, 2015 guilty plea, from February 1996 to April 2014, Ellis deposited and used her deceased grandmother’s Social Security benefit checks, to which she was not entitled. She also led Social Security officials to believe her grandmother was alive in order to continue receiving the checks. The total amount taken was $206,325.

The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Charenton man was sentenced to 12 months in prison for assaulting a Chitimacha tribal woman.

Dugan Joseph Burleigh, 34, of Charenton, La., was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill after pleading guilty to one count of assault in Indian Country. He was also sentenced to serve one year of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Burleigh, who is a not a member of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, assaulted a female victim who was a member of the tribe on January 11, 2015. He struck the victim from behind knocking her to the ground and continued to punch and kick her breaking her nose during the incident.

Jurisdiction in Indian Country is based upon the unique sovereign relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes.  Congress has extended the territorial jurisdiction of the United States to major crimes committed against Native Americans that take place in Indian Country, which includes all property that the government holds in trust or use by officially recognized Native American tribes.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes all major crimes and misdemeanor cases arising in Indian Country that are within the jurisdiction of this office.

The FBI and the Chitimacha Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Rossetti and Joseph G. Jarzabek are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Kenyan pleaded guilty to producing child pornography for the Dreamboard child sex exploitation and child pornography site.

Brian Musomba Maweu, 51, of Kenya, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. He was recently extradited to the United States from Kenya.   According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Maweu, using the online alias “Catfish,” made 121 posts on the Dreamboard site, which he joined on January 18, 2009. Of those posts, 34 were of child pornography he produced himself. Maweu was considered a “Super VIP” level member of the Dreamboard site. Super VIP is a designation given to members who were prominent on the site and produced homemade child pornography.

Maweu faces 20 years to life in prison, not less than five years to not more than life of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of July 14, 2015 was set.

Maweu was charged in an indictment unsealed on Aug. 3, 2011.  The charges were the result of Operation Delego, an investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard. The board was a private, members-only, online bulletin board that was created and operated to promote pedophilia and encourage the sexual abuse of very young children in an environment designed to avoid law enforcement detection.

A total of 72 individuals, including Maweu, were charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of the 72 charged defendants have been arrested in the United States and abroad. Eight of the 57 are in the process of being extradited to the United States. Forty-eight individuals have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial. The 47 individuals who have pleaded guilty or found guilty for their roles in the conspiracy have been sentenced to prison and have received sentences ranging between five years to life in prison. Three defendants have received life sentences, including the one who was convicted at trial. Fifteen of the 72 charged individuals remain at large and are known only by their online identities.  Efforts to identify and apprehend these individuals continue. Operation Delego represents the largest prosecution to date in the United States of individuals who have participated in an online bulletin board conceived and operated for the sole purpose of promoting child sexual abuse, disseminating child pornography and evading law enforcement.

“There is still much work to be done before most, if not all, online operations like this one can be stopped,” Finley stated. “It took the work of agencies, both domestic and international, to find and bring this defendant to justice. We hope to make more arrests in the case and bring to justice all of the individuals who perpetrate such vile schemes that endanger children. I want to thank all the agencies and prosecutors who have worked on this case.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.  

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Michael O’Mara of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Keith Becker of CEOS. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The investigation was conducted by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, CEOS, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE attaches offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport resident pleaded guilty Monday to failing to register his correct address for his sex offender identification.

Joseph Kelly Parson, 31, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of failure to update his sex offender registration.  According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Parson did not update his sex offender registration when living at a Shreveport address from October 8, 2013 until November 12, 2014. Parson originally pleaded guilty to two counts of statutory rape in Liberty County, Ga., in 2004.  Upon release from prison, he was informed that he was required to register as a sex offender.  He was later found living in Texas in 2010 and served a term of imprisonment for failure to register as a sex offender in Texas.  After his release, Parson later moved to Shreveport but did not register in Louisiana as a sex offender.

Parson faces up to 10 years in prison, five years to life supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  A sentencing date of August 6, 2015 has been set.

The U.S. Marshals Service and Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bossier City man pleaded guilty to concealing his business’ assets during bankruptcy proceedings.

John M. Santoro, 43, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of concealment of assets in a bankruptcy proceeding. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Santoro filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on May 20, 2011, as the owner and for Santoro’s Catering Inc.  After filing, Santoro had a third party sell a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500, which belonged to Santoro’s Catering Inc., and also sold some of the company’s catering equipment.  Santoro failed to disclose the existence of the truck and the catering equipment to the bankruptcy trustee or list it on his bankruptcy petition.  In bankruptcy proceedings, debtors are required to fully disclose all assets and liabilities.

Santoro faces a maximum of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of July 6, 2015 was set.

The FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon B. Brown and Cytheria D. Jernigan are prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Monroe grocery store owner pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide cash and ineligible items to SNAP and WIC recipients in exchange for their benefits.

Allen Woods, 60, of Monroe, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of theft of government property before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing, Woods operated two businesses illegally at the same location on Old Sterlington Road in Monroe from December 2010 until March 2014. After his other business, Big Al’s grocery store, located on Sherrouse Street in Monroe, was permanently disqualified from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in March of 2010, he opened Honey’s Grocery Store on Old Sterlington Road with another Monroe resident in 2010. They were cleared to participate in the SNAP program in December of 2010.  As the owner of Honey’s, Woods and others permitted SNAP and WIC recipients to exchange their benefits for ineligible items.

After Honey’s closed its operations in August 2012, Woods and Marshall Brown opened Brown’s Grocery Store in the same building as Honey’s in September of 2010. Brown’s name was used to qualify the business as a SNAP retailer.  Woods, Brown, and others allowed SNAP benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items such as alcohol and tobacco from September 2012 until March 2014.  Woods, Brown, and others also exchanged cash for SNAP benefits and fraudulently acquired at least $5 million from illegally trafficking SNAP and WIC benefits while operating Honey’s and Brown’s grocery stores.

Woods faces up to five years in prison for the conspiracy count and up to 10 years in prison for the theft count. He also faces forfeiture of money and property connected with the charges. A sentencing date of August 30, 2015 was set.  Brown pleaded guilty March 6, 2015 to the conspiracy count. A sentencing date of July 6, 2015 was set for Brown. They also both face up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Vivian man and a Texan pleaded guilty to cocaine conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution charges in Caddo and Bossier parishes.

Eugene O’Neal Cross, 39, of Marshall, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and Anthony D. Jackson, 24, of Vivian, La., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the hearing. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from February 21, 2014 until July 26, 2014, Jackson conspired to possess and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Cross admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on January 21, 2014. Using surveillance and controlled buys, agents recorded the defendants at various times possessing, distributing and/or planning to distribute drugs in Caddo and Bossier parishes.

Cross faces 10 years to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine for the methamphetamine charge. Jackson faces five to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a $5 million fine. A sentencing date of July 9, 2015 was set.

The defendants were arrested as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation Cross the Line. The DEA and the Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Task Force 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, and disrupting and dismantling of major drug trafficking organizations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 105 months in prison for possessing firearms and ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies.

Donzell Joseph Samuels Jr., 36, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the December 15, 2014 guilty plea, Samuels was on probation when law enforcement received information that he had a firearm at his residence. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office contacted Samuels at home in October of 2013 and found him in possession of a .380 caliber pistol, a .357 caliber revolver, two 9 mm pistols, and a 16 gauge shotgun. They also found ammunition with each firearm, an additional 16 rounds of 9 mm ammunition in an extended magazine, and .22 caliber ammunition.

Samuels has three prior felony convictions in the First Judicial District Court for Caddo Parish.  In 2008 he was convicted of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, cocaine, and was sentenced to three and a half years at hard labor. In 2001 he was convicted of accessory after the fact – manslaughter and criminal conspiracy to commit a simple burglary, and was sentenced to four years at hard labor. In 2000 he was convicted of simple burglary and was sentenced to two years at hard labor, suspended with one year of supervised probation.

The ATF and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to prosecute those who are prohibited from possessing firearms and those who use firearms to commit violent crimes.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a DeRidder woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1.3 million from her employer.

Lisa H. Ernst, 52, of DeRidder, La., entered a conditional guilty plea for one count of wire fraud to U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay.  The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Ernst stole $1,351,259.86 from Amerisafe in Deridder, La., where she was employed from May 13, 2003 to March 4, 2014 in various capacities in the accounting department, including as an assistant manager. She made approximately 142 direct interbank transfers from the company’s bank account to her personal bank accounts. In addition to taking the money, she made false representations to company personnel in order to secure approval for the bank transfers, and then after transferring the money, she fabricated documents to conceal fraudulent transactions.

Ernst faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.  A sentencing date of July 16, 2015 was set.

The FBI and the DeRidder Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph T. Mickel and David C. Joseph are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal grand jury indicted Caddo Parish Commissioner Michael Dwayne Williams for defrauding the Caddo Parish Commission and stealing from a nonprofit meant to help at-risk youth.

Williams, 54, of Shreveport, was indicted on 12 counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that from October 1, 2012 through July 1, 2014, Williams devised a scheme to take more than $2,000 from a nonprofit’s bank account. 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 an ATM card to remove money on numerous occasions. According to the indictment, he took $100 to $200 each time that he made a withdrawal initializing 12 transactions from August 2013 to June 2014 for personal use. 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.

“The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated Michael Williams for several months and is pleased with the return of this indictment,” said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator. “Unfortunately, there are people elected to office who will abuse the public’s trust. This money was meant for children, not politicians.”

Williams faces up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for each count.

The FBI and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph G. Jarzabek and Brandon B. Brown 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, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley plans to visit the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group to speak in honor of Women’s History Month.

The meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m., March 31, 2015, at the Pamoja Cultural Center, 3806 Linwood Ave., Shreveport. In observance of Women’s History Month, the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group has selected local women to speak on a variety of issues. Finley will discuss her role as the U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Louisiana as well as the history and the progress women have made in the United States. The meeting is free and open to the public. Breakfast is Dutch treat. For more information, contact coordinator Lloyd Thompson at (318) 934-8036.

Finley is the first female U.S. Attorney to serve in Louisiana.  She was selected by President Barack Obama in January of 2010, after being recommended by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June of 2010.  United States Attorney Finley was sworn into office on June 2, 2010, to serve the Western District of Louisiana as the chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the state’s 64 parishes.  In addition to her duties as the U.S. Attorney, Finley is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and currently serves as Chair of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Management and Budget Committee.

EUNICE/BATON ROUGE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley visited Louisiana State University at Eunice and Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge this week to talk about her office’s role in administering justice.

“I always enjoy spending time with our future leaders,” Finley said.  “If I can encourage or inspire any of them to strive for excellence and commit to sacrifice, no matter their career choice, then we all benefit.

The U.S. Attorney and FBI Senior Supervisory Resident Agent Don Bostic spoke to students at LSU at Eunice during an Introduction to Criminal Justice class on March 23, 2015.  Finley and Bostic gave a presentation on the federal criminal process. They touched on the role of social media in criminal cases, the relationship between federal law enforcement and local law enforcement, the work that goes into investigating a case, the various jobs offered within the Department of Justice, and the makeup of the Western District of Louisiana, among other topics.

Louisiana State University at Eunice is a two-year community college, which is part of the LSU school system, and was founded in the mid-1960s. Find out more at www.LSUE.edu.

U.S. Attorney Finley also visited a Law Office Practice class at Southern University Law Center on March 24, 2015 in Baton Rouge.  She spoke to the students about the role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the various careers available within agencies under the Department of Justice.  She was also present to answer questions from the students about the federal civil and criminal practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Southern University Law Center was formed in 1947, and its mission is to provide access and opportunity to a diverse group of students from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups to obtain a high quality legal education with special emphasis on the Louisiana civil law. Find out more at www.sulc.edu.

Finley is the first female U.S. Attorney to serve in Louisiana.  She was selected by President Barack Obama in January of 2010, after being recommended by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June of 2010.  United States Attorney Finley was sworn into office on June 2, 2010 to serve the Western District of Louisiana as the chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the state’s 64 parishes.  In addition to her duties as the U.S. Attorney, Finley is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and currently serves as Chair of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Management and Budget Committee.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Texan was sentenced to 120 months in prison for trying to lure a minor into producing a sex video.

Sach Kevin Vu, 33, of Arlington, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the October 23, 2014 guilty plea, an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old girl responded on February 7, 2014 to an online advertisement seeking models for a photo shoot. Vu began communicating with the officer posing as a 16-year-old girl and set up a meeting in Haynesville, La., where he planned to produce a pornographic video. While arranging the meeting, Vu communicated in detail the types of sex acts he wanted performed in the video. He was arrested on February 20, 2014, in Haynesville, La., after traveling there from Texas.  Sex toys and camera equipment were found in his vehicle.

“This defendant’s goal was to convince a minor to take part in sexual acts,” Finley stated. “Not only did he plan on abusing a girl, he also intended to record it. We take sexual abuse of minors and the production of child pornography seriously. If members of the public are found to be engaging in such illegal activities, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The FBI and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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 today that a Carencro Police officer pleaded guilty to receiving cash payments from James Panos, former owner and manager of Desperado’s Cabaret, while the officer was in charge of regulating exotic dancer permits for the Carencro Police Department, and during a time Desperado’s operated as an illegal enterprise.

Timothy Prejean, 42, of Carencro, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to interference with commerce by extortion under color of official right. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Prejean accepted cash payments from James Panos during the years Prejean processed and delivered exotic dancer licenses for Desperado’s employees.  Additionally, Prejean failed to investigate reported illegal activity at Desperado’s from 2007 to December 5, 2012.  The illegal activity involved prostitution in the VIP room and drug distribution/use inside the business. During this time, Prejean was assigned as the liaison officer between the Carencro Police Department and Desperado’s for the purpose of enforcing local ordinances pertaining to exotic dancer licensing and related regulations.

Prejean improperly received a total of $10,000 in cash and other benefits from club owners James and Jennifer Panos while in performance of his regulatory duties.  Other benefits included no cover charge to enter, free access to the VIP rooms, and free drinks.

James Panos, Jennifer Panos, and eight other defendants were charged in a 10-count indictment on May 15, 2013, alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and firearms charges.  The charges are the result of an investigation of drug trafficking, drug distribution, prostitution, and other illegal activity that took place at Desperado’s Cabaret in Carencro located on Northeast Evangeline Thruway.

“Timothy Prejean violated his oath of office and the public’s trust by failing to uphold the law and by taking cash payments from a corrupt business,” said Finley.  “The people of Carencro deserve and expect more from their law enforcement officers.  My Office will lead the charge in investigating and bringing to justice corrupt public officials.”

James Panos, Jennifer Panos and the remaining defendants were sentenced on August 7, 2014.  As part of the plea agreement, the owners agreed to forfeit illegal proceeds already seized, return proceeds illegally earned, and they agreed to forfeit the Desperado’s property to include the building and land.

Prejean faces up to 20 years in prison, three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  A sentencing date was not set.

The DEA, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and Lafayette Metro Narcotics investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Lafayette man pleaded guilty to making a bomb threat and attempting to rob a bank.

Devin Haywood, 31, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of using a facility in interstate commerce to willfully make a threat or maliciously convey false information, and one count of attempted bank robbery. According to the indictment, Haywood used a cell phone to make a bomb threat at 5:30 a.m. on July 16, 2014, to a local television station that there was a bomb at Girard Park in Lafayette and on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus. While law enforcement agents were investigating the bomb threat, Haywood attempted to rob a bank on Moss Street in Lafayette. Haywood approached two of the bank employees after they had arrived for work at the bank. He appeared to be carrying a gun. The two bank employees fled back to their vehicles and left the scene.

Haywood faces 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the bomb threat charge. He faces 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release for the attempted bank robbery charge.  Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing date was not set.

“Actions of this defendant created a very dangerous situation within the city of Lafayette,” Finley stated. “Law enforcement, emergency responders and others were called away from other important work to respond to a fabricated bomb threat so that this individual could attempt to rob a financial institution. He is now facing the consequences of his actions. I want to thank the law enforcement agencies that responded professionally and promptly to this incident.”

The FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a former Iberia Parish Sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty to striking a handcuffed man.

Cody Laperouse, 29, of New Iberia, La., pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information charging a violation of an individual’s civil rights by use of excessive force.  The plea was taken by U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Laperouse, while acting as a deputy of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office on September 29, 2013, struck a man who was under arrest and on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back. Laperouse was one of several officers tasked with dispersing a large crowd around 1:40 a.m. that had gathered after the close of the Sugar Cane Festival in New Iberia. The crowd was asked to disperse, and the victim was arrested during this time. The victim was instructed to lie flat on the ground in a face-down position, but instead remained on his side and did not comply with the instructions. Laperouse struck the victim twice, using excessive force.

“Law enforcement officers play a critical role in our society and every day put their lives on the line to serve our citizens,” said Finley. “They are the unsung heroes who take an oath to follow the law and to keep us safe. Unfortunately, Mr. Laperouse breached that trust and violated his oath by using excessive force on a member of our community.”

Laperouse faces up to one year in prison, one year supervised release, and a $100,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.

The FBI and Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph T. Mickel and Jamilla A. Bynog are prosecuting the case.

           SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Mexican national was sentenced to 18 months in prison for selling counterfeit identification documents and for illegally reentering the United States. A second Mexican national was sentenced to six months in prison for hiring an illegal alien.

            Nazario Flores-Cordero, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced on one count of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents; one count of false representation of a Social Security account number; and one count of illegal re-entry to the United States following deportation. Jesus Francisco Herrera-Gonzalez, 36, also of Mexico, was sentenced on one count of encouraging and inducing Nazario Flores-Cordero, an illegal alien, to reside in the United States by illegally employing him. They were also ordered to be deported following the completion of their prison terms. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks sentenced them.

            According to the evidence presented at the December 2, 2014 guilty pleas, Flores-Cordero sold counterfeited or altered fake permanent resident cards and Social Security cards from October 2011 to May of 2014 in the Shreveport/Bossier City area that were to be used to falsely show that illegal aliens were lawfully in the United States and could be employed. Each counterfeit permanent resident card showed the name of the individual and photograph of the individual to be employed.  Each counterfeit Social Security card falsely used and represented a Social Security account number not assigned to the individual named on the card. Flores-Cordero was also found to be illegally in the United States after he was last removed from the United States to Mexico in 2013.

            United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that two prisoners at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., were sentenced for beating a fellow inmate resulting in traumatic brain injury.

Jeffrey Lovell, 33, Evansville, Ind., and Christopher Simpson, 36, of Hendersonville, N.C., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 68 months and 71 months in prison respectively for one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. They were also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, video cameras captured Lovell and Simpson assaulting a third inmate outside of his cell on June 11, 2013 at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock. The inmate was struck around his head and torso. The prisoner was later brought to a hospital where he was treated for traumatic brain injury, which required a feeding tube.

The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bossier City woman pleaded guilty to making and filing a false tax return.

Karen Cartagena, 54, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Cartagena prepared and filed a fraudulent tax return on or about January 24, 2012.  In the return, she added education credits (Education and American Opportunity credits) to which she was not entitled.

“My office is committed to the vigorous prosecution of corrupt individuals who prepare fraudulent tax returns,” Finley said. “The selective targeting for profit of educational and other tax credits, which are designated to help individuals in need, is reprehensible.”

“Return preparer fraud is a priority for IRS Criminal Investigation, and we have committed many resources to these cases,” said Jerome R. McDuffie, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, New Orleans Field Office.  “Ms. Cartagena was previously convicted of preparing false income tax returns and willfully chose to continue her illegal activities.  Taxpayers should be very selective in choosing a return preparer, and have confidence that their returns are prepared accurately and reflect only the information that they provide.  We will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute return preparers who abuse the nation’s tax system.”

Cartagena faces up to three years in prison, one year supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution.    A sentencing date of July 16, 2015 was set.

The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.

MONROE La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a New Jersey man pleaded guilty for his role in importing and selling anabolic steroids.

Justin R. Kull, 28, of Turnersville, N.J., entered a conditional guilty plea for one count of conspiracy to distribute Schedule III controlled substances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Kull in addition to Gary Lynn Ward, 47; and David Ray Dean, 47, both of Monroe, conspired to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids starting sometime in 2013 until August 27, 2013. Kull was a nurse from New Jersey who supplied quantities of steroids to Ward and Dean. Ward and Dean would also import the drugs from overseas and other domestic sources. They would then process the drugs in a makeshift lab in the Monroe area and distribute them.

Kull faces up to 20 years in prison, at least four years supervised release, and a $1 million fine. A sentencing date of June 15, 2015 was set. Dean pleaded guilty February 18, 2015, and Ward pleaded guilty March 6, 2015 to one count of conspiracy to distribute Schedule III controlled substances. Dean is to be sentenced July 6, 2015, and Ward is to be sentenced on June 15, 2015.

United States Customs and Border Patrol-Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Louisiana State Police participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a man from Many was sentenced to 78 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.

Marcus Johnson, 38, of Many, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of distribution of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the December 10, 2014, guilty plea, law enforcement agents conducted controlled buys of methamphetamine from Johnson on November 4, 7, and 12 of 2013.  Johnson would conduct methamphetamine sales at various retail stores in Many.

The DEA and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal grand jury indicted two Texas men for conspiring to sell approximately 28 kilograms of powder cocaine.

Ricardo Garcia, 37, and Jesus Christian Martinez, 33, both of Brownsville, Texas, were indicted on one count of conspiracy with intent to distribute and one count of possession with intent to distribute powder cocaine. According to the indictment and testimony at a preliminary examination and detention hearing held on February 6, 2015, Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop on February 3, 2015 on a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-20 in Bossier Parish. The vehicle displayed North Carolina license plates but was not registered to either the driver or the passenger.  After further investigation, a police dog was deployed, and the dog began to paw at the speaker box in the trunk. Inside the speaker box troopers found 28 kilogram size packages of powder cocaine.  

The defendants face 10 years to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine on each count.

The DEA-Shreveport Office and Louisiana State Police 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.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a New Orleans man pleaded guilty to possessing counterfeit credit cards in order to make illegal purchases.

Izell Mayes, 24, of New Orleans, entered a conditional guilty plea for one count of possession of 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices to U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay.  The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Mayes was riding in a car that was stopped for speeding on February 9, 2014 in Vinton, La. Upon further investigation, the car was searched and 50 counterfeit credit cards in Mayes’ name were found. Forty counterfeit cards under another name were also found in the car. Mayes later confessed to picking up the cards in Houston before traveling to Louisiana. He used the cards in department stores in Houston earlier that day. The last card used was in Baytown, Texas.

Mayes faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of June 18, 2015 was set.

The U.S. Secret Service and the ATF investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Moss Bluff man pleaded guilty Wednesday to operating a marijuana sales and transport conspiracy that stretched from Texas to Louisiana.

Daniel Cantu-Lopez, 42, of Moss Bluff, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Cantu-Lopez was warehousing large quantities of marijuana in Houston and distributing it out of his trailer in Moss Bluff.  He directed the transport and sales of marijuana from June 2013 to September of 2013 from locations in Texas and Louisiana. During the course of the investigation, 4.9 kilograms of marijuana were seized from conspirator Juan Antonio Garcia on June 25, 2013 during a traffic stop in Vinton, La.; 453 grams of marijuana were seized on July 1, 2013 from conspirator Bertoldo Tolo Labra while being delivered to Moss Bluff; 380 kilograms of marijuana were seized on July 13, 2013 in George West, Texas, from conspirator Jamie Garza who was driving a truck and horse trailer; 4.5 kilograms of marijuana were purchased by an undercover agent on July 17, 2013 from Cantu-Lopez’s common-law wife Lisa Long in Moss Bluff; and 537 kilograms of marijuana were seized in Houston on September 13, 2013 from a pickup truck driven by conspirator Juan Garcia.

Cantu-Lopez faces up to 40 years in prison, five years supervised release, and a $5 million fine. A sentencing date was not set.

The defendant was arrested as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “Cajun Gallo.” The DEA, the George West Texas Police Department, and the Houston Police Department participated in this OCDETF investigation. The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that, after a two-day trial, a federal jury found a Guatemalan guilty of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than $1.5 million worth of cocaine and $75,000 worth of methamphetamine.

Jose Gabriel Mendez, 35, a Guatemalan living in Texas, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the trial. The defendant’s trial started Tuesday and ended Wednesday afternoon with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately two hours.  Evidence admitted at trial showed that law enforcement agents conducted a traffic stop on October 15, 2014, of a 1996 Dodge Dakota pickup truck driven by Mendez.  Further investigation by Corporal Kevin Hoover of the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (CAT) revealed 516 grams of methamphetamine and 15 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the four door panels and tire jack compartment of the truck.

Mendez faces 10 years to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.  Sentencing is set for June 29, 2015.  Mendez’s co-conspirator in the indictment, Jack Edward Lane, 67, of Brownsville, Texas, previously pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy on January 20, 2015. Sentencing is set for April 15, 2015.

The DEA and Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David C. Joseph and Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a contract worker pleaded guilty to using a fraudulent facility access pass to attempt to gain entrance into a Sulphur, La., petrochemical facility.

Cristobal Vargas Zambrano, 32, a contract worker at a Sulphur facility, entered a conditional guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay for one count of fraudulent use or possession of an official pass.  The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Zambrano used a fraudulent transportation worker identification credential (TWIC) on August 14, 2014, to attempt to gain access to Westlake Petrochemicals in Sulphur. Westlake Petrochemicals is a Transportation Security Act regulated facility and workers must present a TWIC card to gain access.

Zambrano faces up to five years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of June 29, 2015 was set.

The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony.

Eric Dwayne Williams, 39, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit the firearm and ammunition seized during the investigation. According to the October 10, 2014 guilty plea, Williams was arrested by deputy U.S. Marshals and Shreveport Police officers with the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force in June of 2014 on a warrant from California for a sex offender registration violation. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Williams had been in possession of a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber pistol and ammunition.  Federal authorities located and recovered the firearm and ammunition.  It was unlawful for Williams to  possess the firearm and ammunition because Williams had previously been convicted of nine felony convictions in California.  These felony convictions include his failure to register as a sex offender, second degree burglary, receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The ATF; U.S. Marshals Service; the Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety, Probation and Parole; and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.  Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide program designed to reduce violence by aggressively enforcing existing federal firearms laws.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Franklin man was sentenced to 78 months in prison on charges that he downloaded and stored images of child pornography onto a hard drive.

Tommie Joseph Beason, 37, of Franklin, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of possession of child pornography. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the October 27, 2014 guilty plea, law enforcement agents detected Beason downloading child pornography. Law enforcement agents then searched Beason’s residence on June 3, 2014, and found 230 images and 88 videos of hardcore child pornography on an external hard drive. The illegal files included prepubescent child pornography with very young children and sadistic material.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourage 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.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Many resident was sentenced to 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in Sabine Parish.

Cassius L. Medlock, 32, of Many, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. He was also sentenced to four years of supervised release. According to the November 13, 2015 guilty plea, Medlock was stopped on August 14, 2014, for speeding, and after searching the vehicle, officers observed more than 193 grams of cocaine base and marijuana in the vehicle he was driving.  Six children were also present in the vehicle.

The defendant was arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation. The DEA and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office 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 disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Minnesota professor was sentenced on Monday, to 135 months in prison for contacting a minor in Union Parish in order to start a sexual relationship.

Woody Dale Branton, 63, of Minneapolis, Minn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James on one count of enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the August 27, 2014 guilty plea, Branton, a professor at the University of Minnesota, and a 15-year-old girl exchanged thousands of messages on Facebook from October 2013 through December 1, 2013. Many of the messages were sexual in nature, and he also asked the young girl to send him explicit pictures of herself. From November 29, 2013 to December 1, 2013, Branton attempted to set up a meeting with the girl in Louisiana and purchased a plane ticket to meet in Shreveport.

“This case is yet another example why it is so important for parents to monitor the computer usage of their children and stay active in their lives,” Finley stated. “We also hope that this case deters the conduct of other sexual predators and spares other potential victims. Protecting children from these malicious predators is a top priority for my office, and we will continue to work closely with the federal, state and local law enforcement partners to bring them to justice.”

The FBI and the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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 Monroe FBI office number is (318) 387-0773.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bastrop woman pleaded guilty on Tuesday, to filing false tax returns.

Stella Marie Dunlap, 37, of Bastrop, La., entered a conditional guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes, to one count of aiding and subscribing a false tax return. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Dunlap filed fraudulent Forms 1040 during the 2010 and 2011 tax filing seasons while employed as a tax preparer at Faster Tax Services in Bastrop. The returns contained fraudulent W-2 income information from fictitious companies, and the information was used to file Earned Income Tax Credit withholdings. As a result of the fraud, the IRS issued $104,401 in refunds to which taxpayers where not entitled. Dunlap received kickbacks from some of customers as part of the scheme.

Dunlap faces up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution.  A sentencing date of June 15, 2015 was set.

Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a prisoner at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., pleaded guilty to his role in the strangling death of a fellow inmate.

Refugio Sanchez, 36, a prisoner at Pollock Penitentiary, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of voluntary manslaughter. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Sanchez and fellow inmates, Benito Flores and the victim, were assigned to a Special Housing Unit (SHU) on March 12, 2008. Penitentiary guards found Sanchez and Flores with the victim who was lying unconscious on the floor of the SHU. The inmate was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy found that the victim died of strangulation. In conjunction with physical and forensic evidence that was presented at the guilty plea hearing, Sanchez issued a written statement wherein he admitted to unlawfully killing the victim during a heated argument.

The defendant faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of June 11, 2015 was set.

The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a former correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., along with the daughter of an inmate were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to bribe a correctional officer to smuggle cell phones into the prison.  Federal inmates are prohibited from possessing cell phones.

Maggie Kay Comeaux, 28, of Ball, La., was sentenced to 10 months in prison and two years of supervised release on one count of conspiracy. Paris Smith, 21, of Detroit, Mich., was sentenced to two years of probation (including community service hours) and ordered to pay a $500 fine on one count of providing contraband to a prisoner. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the hearings. According to the November 24, 2014 guilty pleas, from January 2013 to April 2013, Comeaux accepted a $400 bribe from Smith and two federal inmates to smuggle a cell phone and charging cords into the prison. At least one phone was subscribed in Smith’s name. The inmates also used GreenDot cards to provide thousands of dollars to Comeaux.

The U.S. Department of Justice-Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a California man was sentenced to 41 months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender after traveling to Alexandria.

Tyrone Bradshaw, 47, of Los Angeles, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for one count of failure to register as a sex offender.  He was also sentenced to 17 years of supervised release. He will begin serving the sentence after serving the remainder of a 32-month prison term in California for a previous failure to register charge. According to evidence presented at the November 25, 2014 guilty plea, Bradshaw traveled by bus to Alexandria on August 1, 2012. He obtained a state identification card on August 3, 2012 and listed his address as Lake Charles, La. He did not include his sex offender status on the identification as required by Louisiana state law. Alexandria police later arrested Bradshaw. The defendant previously pleaded guilty in November of 1985 to state charges in California for kidnapping, forcible rape, and robbery of a female. He was released in 1994.

The U.S. Marshals Service and the Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney F. Michael O’Mara prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced  a $650,000 settlement was reached with Acadiana Cardiology LLC, Acadiana Cardiovascular Center and convicted doctor, Mehmood Patel, M.D., concerning allegations that Patel performed unnecessary medical procedures and billed Medicare.

In the criminal proceedings, Patel was indicted on 94 counts of health care fraud on February 16, 2006, and a jury found him guilty on December 30, 2008 after a two-month trial of 51 counts of health care fraud.  He was sentenced on June 4, 2009, to serve 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $387,511 in restitution and a $175,000 fine.  In August of 2006, Our Lady of Lourdes agreed to pay a $3.8 million settlement, and in January of 2008, Lafayette General Medical Center agreed to pay a $1.9 million settlement to settle claims.

The United States intervened in the lawsuit Dr. Christopher Mallavarapu, a cardiologist who formerly practiced with Patel in Lafayette, brought against Acadiana Cardiology LLC, Acadiana Cardiovascular Center LLC, Mehmood Patel, a Professional Medical Corp., and Mehmood Patel, M.D., to recover damages under the False Claims Act.  The False Claims Act, a federal civil fraud statute, allows individuals who have witnessed fraud to file suit on behalf of the United States under the statute’s qui tam provisions and, under appropriate circumstances, they are allowed to share in a portion of any monetary recovery that is made.  The statute allows the government to recoup dollars obtained through fraud and misrepresentation.

From 2000 to 2003, the United States alleged that the defendants submitted 207 false claims for unnecessary cardiovascular, endovascular and related procedures that Patel performed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Lafayette General Medical Center, Acadiana Cardiology and Acadiana Cardiovascular Center.  Federal law allows coverage and payment for only those services that are considered to be medically reasonable and necessary.

“This is a significant recovery,” Finley said.  “Health care providers should know they will be held accountable for the care that they provide and the claims they submit for care.  We hope this settlement sends a message that those in the health care industry who overcharge federal programs and perform medically unnecessary treatments will be held accountable, both criminally and civilly.”

“Any time greed replaces medical necessity as the primary factor in performing invasive diagnostic procedures, our most vulnerable citizens, the nation's elderly, are imperiled,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Fields of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Dallas Regional Office. “This was a most egregious example of a money hungry physician unnecessarily placing his own patients at risk to line his pockets.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen J. King and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine W. Vincent handled the civil case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley P. Uebinger prosecuted the criminal case.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Many resident was sentenced last week to 188 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine in the Sabine Parish area.

Scottron Cordell Medlock, 33, of Many, La., was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of distribution of methamphetamine. The defendant was also sentenced to four years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the July 24, 2014 guilty plea, law enforcement agents recorded Medlock selling 24 grams of methamphetamine in Many on July 17, 2013. Video showed Medlock combining several small bags of methamphetamine into a larger one before selling the drug for $1,400.

“Methamphetamine is a dangerous narcotic,” Finley stated. “My office, along with our federal, state and local partners, will continue in their efforts to bring drug dealers to justice.  These cases demonstrate the tremendous impact that collaborative investigations can have to combat methamphetamine distribution.”

The DEA and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called “Crystal Bend.”  OCDETF is a joint multi-agency group consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with a cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Dallas man was sentenced Tuesday to 170 months in prison for transporting a minor to Bossier City, La., for prostitution.

Qualyn D. Mitchell, 31, of Dallas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of sex trafficking of a minor. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the September 16, 2014 guilty plea, law enforcement agents responded in an undercover capacity to an online advertisement for prostitution on November 21, 2013 and found a 16-year-old minor at a Bossier City hotel engaged in prostitution. Mitchell was found in an adjacent hotel room with another prostitute. Upon further investigation, it was learned that Mitchell met the minor a few days earlier and brought her from Dallas to Bossier City. He instructed the minor to give him the money she made from prostitution. Agents found $1,200 on Mitchell at the time of the arrest.

“Human trafficking, especially for the purpose of underage prostitution, is a heinous crime,” Finley stated. “This office is committed to prosecuting individuals who manipulate minors into committing sexual acts, often using the threat of violence, and who profit from this illegal and reprehensible conduct. I want to thank the Assistant U.S. Attorney, the FBI, and the other law enforcement agencies for their vigilance in investigating these crimes, which have resulted not only in criminal convictions, but in the rescue of numerous girls and young women from terrible environments.”

The FBI-Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, Bossier City Police Department, and the Bossier City Marshal’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that an Indian national pleaded guilty Tuesday to making and using altered immigration documents.

Ajay Jawahar, 49, of India, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents. According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, while Jawahar was at the Louisiana Department of Public Safety’s Office of Motor Vehicles in Shreveport on August 3, 2012, he presented five I-29s (U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services Notices of Action), which is a petition for a non-immigrant worker to stay in the United States. Three of the I-29s were altered by changing the dates on them to show Jawahar was lawfully in the United States. An Office of Motor Vehicles employee detected the fraudulent documents and notified federal authorities. When Homeland Security Investigations special agents questioned Jawahar about the documents, he admitted to altering them.

Jawahar faces not more than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The court can also order him deported.  Jawahar is on bond pending his sentencing date of June 25, 2015.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that three inmates were sentenced Thursday in two separate cases for severe beatings of other inmates. United States District Judge Patricia Minaldi presided over the hearings.

Virginia man sentenced to 41 months in prison for beatings

Douglas Darrell Harris, 32, of Petersburg, Va., was sentenced to 41 months in prison on one count of assault at a federal correctional institution. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented at the November 6, 2014 guilty plea, Harris assaulted a fellow inmate twice on April 1, 2014 at the Oakdale Federal Correctional Institution. One of the beatings was caught on camera, and the other was witnessed by a guard. As a result of the beatings, the injured inmate suffered fractured fingers, a fractured humerus, blurred vision and head pain. He also suffered a seizure and was admitted into the intensive care unit. Additionally, his hands were so badly injured they required surgery.

Mexican nationals sentenced to 60 months in prison for assault

Martin Alfonso Olivas-Lopez, 40, and Pablo Palacios-Gomez, 36, both of Mexico, were sentenced to 60 months in prison on one count of assault at a federal correctional institution. They are to be transported back to Mexico upon completion of their prison terms.

According to evidence presented at the November 20, 2014 guilty pleas, Olivas-Lopez and Palacios-Gomez assaulted another inmate on May 7, 2014 outside of Olivas-Lopez’s cell at the Oakdale Federal Correctional Institution. The assault was captured on the prison’s camera system. They punched the inmate in the head repeatedly and continued the assault after he had fallen to the ground. They then meticulously cleaned the area. The inmate suffered lacerations on his head, a nasal bone fracture, and a swollen eye and jaw.

The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons investigated the cases.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the cases.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted a former Carencro Police Officer for receiving cash payments from Desperado’s Gentlemen’s Cabaret.

Timothy “Timmy” Prejean, 42, of Carencro, was indicted on one count of interference with commerce by extortion under color of official right, one count of obtaining information by computer from government or protected computer, and two counts of false statements or representations made to a department or agency of the United States.

The indictment alleges that Prejean, in addition to his other law enforcement duties as a Carencro Police Officer, was designated to manage the issuance of exotic dancer permits for the Carencro Police Department and enforced related ordinances. According to the indictment, from January 1, 2007, until December 5, 2012, Prejean received regular cash payments and extra money for a vacation and personal expenses from Desperado’s owners James and Jennifer Panos.  The indictment further alleges that Prejean ran a criminal history for James Panos on March 16, 2012, using government agency computers in excess of his authorization.  The indictment also alleges that Prejean later lied to FBI and DEA agents on May 20, 2013, about the payments from James and Jennifer Panos, and Prejean also lied to FBI agents on August 16, 2013, about accessing the government database.

Desperado’s operated as an illegal enterprise for many years, and owners James and Jennifer Panos and eight other defendants were charged in a 10-count indictment on May 15, 2013, alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and firearms charges for activity that took place inside the club from 2006 until December 5, 2012.  All pleaded guilty and were sentenced last year as result of an investigation of drug trafficking, drug distribution, prostitution, and other illegal activity that took place at Desperado’s located on Northeast Evangeline Thruway. As part of the plea agreement, the owners agreed to forfeit illegal proceeds already seized and to forfeit the Desperado’s property.

Prejean faces up to 20 years in prison for the extortion count, 10 years in prison for the obtaining computer information count, and five years in prison for both false statement counts. He also faces up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count.

The FBI, DEA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and Lafayette Metro Narcotics investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Breaux Bridge man was sentenced Monday to six months in prison and six months of home confinement for lying in order to continue receiving disability benefits to which he was not entitled.

Mervin J. Noel, 51, of Breaux Bridge, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of making false statements to continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $138,247 restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation (LWCC).

According to evidence presented at the October 7, 2014 guilty plea, Noel began receiving workers’ compensation and Social Security disability benefits after sustaining an injury while working on an offshore oil platform in 1994.  In 2007, Noel began operating a lawn care business without informing either the LWCC or SSA that he was employed and earning income. Instead, on four occasions Noel falsely reported on official documents mailed to LWCC officials that he had no earnings from employment. Noel also appeared in person before SSA officials on April 11, 2014 and falsely reported that he had not worked since becoming disabled. As a result, Noel received $20,776 in workers’ compensation benefits and $118,220 in Social Security benefits to which he was not entitled.

The SSA conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Florida woman was sentenced to 24 months in prison for mail fraud in connection with a bribery scheme involving a former staff member at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC).

Rita M. Myler, 53, of Miramar Beach, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of mail fraud. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $531,976.90 in restitution. According to the October 6, 2014, guilty plea, Myler paid kickbacks to LSUHSC’s Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Laboratory Assistant Director Anthony Roggero so that he would continue buying products from her company, Sangre Biologicals. The kickbacks were mailed to Roggero’s house from July 2001 to July 2008.  Sangre Biologicals received more than $500,000 from LSUHSC during the course of the scheme. The HLA laboratory played a critical support role for solid organ and bone marrow transplants.

Roggero, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty on October 31, 2012, to one count of mail fraud for his role in the scheme. He was sentenced on November 10, 2014, to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $200,000 restitution.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.

GRAMBLING, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley was the keynote speaker at Grambling State University’s Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Leadership Awards Luncheon held Thursday.

“I am honored that Dr. Warrick asked me to address this group of outstanding citizens,” Finley said. “Their stories are incredible, and their commitment to our state is unwavering. These award recipients are an inspiration to me and everyone who hears their stories encouraging us to work harder to make our communities better. That’s what leadership is all about. It is not always glamorous and often the work is not easy, but it is rewarding when you make a difference.”

“United States Attorney Stephanie Finley’s motivating speech challenged the audience to lead and serve,” stated Grambling State University Interim President Dr. Cynthia Warrick. “She reminded us that it was just 50 years ago when justice advocates led and served through resistance; if they had not protested, we would not have the civil rights we experience today. It was an important message that inspired all in attendance and validated our honorees’ recognition.”

Grambling State University honored 10 recipients at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Leadership Awards Luncheon. Winners of the Fannie Lou Hamer Community Service and Leadership Award included: Mr. David Aubrey, the North Louisiana regional director of external affairs for AT&T Inc.; Ms. Janet Durden, president of United Way of Northeast Louisiana; Mr. Clarence W. Hawkins, Louisiana state director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Mrs. Hazel Hunter, a former manager with Louisiana Department of Social Services; Mr. Quentin Messer, assistant secretary for Louisiana Economic Development; Mr. Eldonta Osborne, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana; and Mr. Willie Washington, federal programs director (No Child Left Behind) at the Lincoln Parish School Board in Ruston, La.

Artist Frank Kelly Jr. was the recipient of the Alvin Ailey Arts and Letters Award, and John Belton, newly elected district attorney for the 3rd Judicial District Court for Lincoln and Union parishes, and his wife, Alana Belton, a former prosecutor, received the Thurgood Marshall Justice Award.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Leadership Awards recognizes persons who, through their service to Grambling State University, the state, region and country, exemplify King’s character, leadership and selflessness. Each honoree must have been personally or corporately involved in making tangible, visible and meaningful contributions to the advancement of race relations and/or human rights causes in one or more of the following areas, including but not limited to, the arts, business, education, justice, politics, science and technology, religion and athletics. The awards are presented annually in February.

Grambling State University combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college, a combination that enables students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. It offers more than 800 courses and 68 degree programs in five colleges, including an honors college, two professional schools, a graduate school, and a Division of Continuing Education. To find out more about Grambling State University visit www.gram.edu.

Finley is the first female U.S. Attorney to serve in Louisiana. She was selected by President Barack Obama in January of 2010, after being recommended by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June of 2010. United States Attorney Finley was sworn into office on June 2, 2010 to serve the Western District of Louisiana as the chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the state’s 64 parishes. In addition to her duties as the U.S. Attorney, Finley is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, and currently serves as Chair of Attorney General Eric Holder’s Advisory Committee’s Office of Management and Budget Committee.

From left to right are:  Frank Kelley Jr.,  Hazel Hunter, Quentin Messer Jr., Janet Durden, Eldonta’ Osborne, U. S. Attorney Finley, Dr. Cynthia Warrick, Clarence Hawkins, David Aubrey, Alana Belton, Honorable John Belton, and Freddie Washington (representing her husband, Willie Washington).

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Lake Charles man and a Mexican national were sentenced to seven months (time served) and 44 months in prison respectively for transporting and possessing marijuana.

Bertoldo Tolo Labra, 31, of Lake Charles, La., and Juan Antonio Garcia, 58, of Mexico, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Labra was also sentenced to two years of supervised release, and Garcia was sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, the defendants admitted to transporting multi-kilograms quantities of marijuana at the direction of co-defendant Rogelio Cantu-Lopez in June and July of 2013 from Houston to a trailer in Moss Bluff, La. The marijuana was then sold to a third party.

The defendants were arrested as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation Cajun Gallo. The DEA, the George West Police Department in Texas, and the Houston Police Department participated in this OCDETF investigation. The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle targeted criminal organizations and seize their assets.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found an Egyptian national guilty of refusing to leave the country twice after being ordered to depart.

Mohamed Admed Hassan Abdallah Omran, 38, of Egypt, was found guilty of two counts of failure to depart for resisting removal after final deportation orders. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial. The defendant’s trial started Wednesday and ended today with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for 10 minutes. Evidence admitted at trial revealed that on two occasions U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents attempted to remove Omran from the country via the Alexandria International Airport by putting him on a commercial flight. The defendant hampered agents’ ability to remove him by verbally and physically resisting agents on June 12, 2013. The defendant also hampered attempts to put him on a commercial flight at the airport on July 24, 2013. This prevented him from boarding the flights because of airline and Transportation Security Administration safety policies.

Omran faces four years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for each count. Sentencing has been set for May 11, 2015.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael O’Mara and Cytheria D. Jernigan are prosecuting the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican national pleaded guilty Monday to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
Gerson D. Guevara-Miranda, 34, of Mexico, entered a conditional guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop on Guevara-Miranda’s vehicle on May 23, 2014. After a search of the vehicle, more than one kilogram of powdered cocaine and 23 kilograms of marijuana were found.

Guevara-Miranda faces 20 years in prison, three or more years supervised release, and a $1 million fine. A sentencing date of May 4, 2015 was set.

The DEA, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 360 months in prison for receiving child pornography.

Aaron Wikkerink, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of receiving child pornography. He was also sentenced to serve five years of supervised release and is required to register as a sex offender. According to evidence presented at the October 1, 2014, guilty plea, Wikkerink admitted to downloading child pornography online from April 7, 2012 until April 24, 2012. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Wikkerink’s residence and found child pornography on several electronic storage devices depicting prepubescent children in sexually explicit situations. Wikkerink was previously convicted of child molestation.

“This office is dedicated to the protection of children,” Finley stated. “We have and will continue to make the prosecution of child exploitation and child pornography cases a priority. Those who hide behind technology to conduct these heinous acts should know that the internet is not a safe haven for their crimes. I want to thank our federal, state, and local partners who work so diligently to investigate and uncover these threats to children.”

United Stated Department of Homeland Security (Shreveport) and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a dispatcher with the Shreveport Fire Department was sentenced to 25 months in prison for possessing child pornography.

Shreveport Fire Department Dispatcher Stephen St. John, 46, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of child pornography. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the September 18, 2014, guilty plea, law enforcement agents discovered that St. John was a member of a secret internet file posting board that distributed child pornography. His home was searched on September 5, 2013 and several computers, external hard drives, memory cards, DVDs and diskettes were seized. An examination of the seized items revealed pubescent and prepubescent males engaged in explicit sexual activity.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourage 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 reported anonymously

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Many resident was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing a shotgun and ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies.

Jerry Kenneth Thompson Jr., 45, of Many, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition after a felony conviction. He was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.

According to evidence presented at the September 25, 2014, guilty plea, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) agents discovered Thompson on December 31, 2013, in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition while hunting on private property without permission and using a stolen deer stand. Thompson admitted to LDWF agents that he had prior felony convictions and knew he could not possess a firearm. Further investigation confirmed that Thompson had 26 convictions. Seven of the felony convictions were in California and included two convictions for grand theft, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, second degree burglary of a vehicle, possession with intent to sell a controlled substance with a gang affiliation enhancement, transportation of a controlled substance, and possession for sale of cocaine base. Thompson also had a prior felony conviction in Sabine Parish for simple burglary.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and promote firearm safety.

The ATF and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.