Western District of Louisiana

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that the owner of a Lake Charles tax preparation business pleaded guilty Thursday to underreporting income on his tax returns over a three-year period.

Randall Joseph Carrier Jr., 41, of Cypress, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi on one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. According to the guilty plea, Carrier, who owns and operates Taxx Enterprises Inc. of Lake Charles, failed to report approximately $189,961 of income on his 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax returns, which resulted in an estimated loss of $66,366 to the IRS. The majority of missing income came from customer tax preparation fees that Carrier did not report.

“Tax preparers are not above the law,” Finley stated. “When they use their businesses to take advantage of the system and avoid paying taxes, they will be prosecuted and held accountable. “Preparing false tax returns is a serious crime. My office stands ready to assist the IRS in investigating these cases.”
“We are pleased with the guilty plea entered today by Mr. Carrier,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation Jerome R. McDuffie. “The tax system is built on the premise that taxpayers file accurate and timely tax returns. Mr. Carrier was in the business of preparing tax returns for others and willfully failed to report a significant amount of his own income. To ensure confidence in our tax system, special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation are committed to the aggressive pursuit and prosecution of individuals who intentionally violate the nation's laws.”
Carrier faces up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $100,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of April 30, 2015 was set.

The IRS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard C. Parker and Robert E. Moore are prosecuting the case.

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

Susan Santoro, 40, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of making or subscribing a false tax return. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Santoro, who was the general manager of Top Dollar Pawn in Bossier City from 2009 to 2011, embezzled more than $300,000 from the company. She embezzled the money by falsifying records, which were under her sole authority to review and reconcile. A review of her personal bank accounts revealed numerous large, unexplained cash deposits that far exceeded her income from Top Dollar Pawn. The IRS considers the money, which Santoro did not report on her tax returns, as income. This resulted in Santoro owing additional taxes in excess of $88,000.

Santoro faces up to three years in prison, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution. A sentencing date of May 11, 2015 was set.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Ville Platte man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for taking part in an armed robbery of a St. Landry Parish truck stop casino in which more than $11,000 was taken.

Arinskie Tryvon Orlandeze Jones, 25, of Ville Platte, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik for one count of interference with commerce by robbery. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,100 restitution.

Jones and two other Ville Platte men, Ronald James Doomes and Steven Dudley Nelson, were indicted on October 24, 2012, on charges that they took part in an armed robbery on April 8, 2011, at the Tiger Trax Truckstop #7 and Video Joker II Casino located in St. Landry Parish. A federal jury found Jones guilty on July 31, 2014 after a three-day trial. Doomes was found guilty of one count of armed robbery and one count of use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence after a federal trial that ended August 1, 2014. Doomes was sentenced on November 14, 2014 to 102 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Nelson pleaded guilty to the same charges on October 28, 2013. He was sentenced on September 19, 2014 to 105 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

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 promoting firearm safety.

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force, ATF and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph T. Mickel and David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Mexican national was sentenced to 28 months in prison for reentering the United States illegally after being removed.

Luis Garcia-Torres, 44, of Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik for one count of aggravated reentry of a removed alien. According to evidence presented at the September 4, 2014 guilty plea, the defendant was driving a car that was pulled over on April 29, 2014 during a traffic stop. It was discovered that his identification belonged to another individual. He admitted to not being a U.S. citizen and returning to the United States multiple times illegally. He was deported in September of 1990 after being convicted of voluntary manslaughter in North Carolina. He also was deported in November of 2011 after serving a 10-year sentence for aggravated battery.

United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Louisiana State Police, and Morgan City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Honduran national was sentenced to 12 months in prison for possessing a firearm while being in the United States illegally.

Jose Marnin Perez-Perez, 24, of Honduras, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik for one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to evidence presented at the October 23, 2014 guilty plea, a Youngsville police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Perez was traveling in on August 6, 2014. Upon further investigation, the officer found a Hi-Point 9 mm pistol in a seat pocket where Perez was seated. It was later learned that Perez had been deported in 2012 after a U.S. Border Patrol arrest.

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 promoting firearm safety.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Youngsville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Monroe woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $200,000 in Social Security benefit payments.

Cassandra D. Ellis, 53, of Monroe, entered a conditional guilty plea for one count of theft of government funds to U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James. According to evidence presented at the 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.

Ellis faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of May 4, 2015 was set.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Webster Parish woman pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Reiny Ratliff, 21, of Springhill, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Springhill Police responded on March 12, 2014 to a complaint that someone was illegally parked in a handicapped spot at a local retail store. While questioning Ratliff, the officer saw drug paraphernalia in the car, arrested her, and impounded the vehicle. Upon search of her purse, 229.7 grams of methamphetamine and $5,347 were found.

Ratliff faces up to 20 years in prison, three years supervised release, a $1 million fine and forfeiture of the money found. A sentencing date of April 29, 2015 was set.

The DEA and Springhill Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT/MONROE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force announced today that the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking applications for funding of grants under the Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program, also known as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

This program furthers the Department of Justice=s mission and violent crime reduction strategy by providing support to state, local and tribal efforts to reduce gun and gang-related violent crime. Contingent upon the availability of funds, grant awards totaling $300,000 are possible in the Western District of Louisiana to fund new and current comprehensive gun crime reduction strategies and gang violence reduction strategies. Grant proposal submissions must be received by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Lafayette before 5 p.m. on February 6, 2015.

Various types of single or multi‑grantee grant applications are welcome including those that address the following:

• Gang violence and gun violence reduction, deterrence, prevention, community outreach and education;
• Enforcement, adjudication, and supervision programs;
• Prisoner Reentry Programs; or
• Other innovative related projects.

The FY2015 PSN Competitive Grant Announcement and links to other grants available, and information on the PSN Program can be found at the U.S. Attorney’s website at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla and www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/programs/project-safe-neighborhoods or at www.psn.gov and www.bja.gov/programs/psn .

For more information, contact Western District of Louisiana Assistant U.S. Attorney and PSN and Anti-Gang Coordinator Robert W. Gillespie Jr. at (318) 676-3600.

Complete instructions on how to register and submit an application for this and other grants are available at www.Grants.gov. The FY2015 PSN Grant number is BJA-2014-3810. Applicants can also contact the www.Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline for technical assistance with submitting any application by calling (800) 518-4726, (606) 545-5035 and by e-mail to support@grants.gov.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $39,000 in Social Security benefit payments.

Stephanie D. Lynn, 49, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of theft of government funds. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from May 2009 to December 2013, Lynn cashed and used her deceased son’s Social Security benefit checks, to which she was not entitled. She also did not inform the Social Security Administration that her son had died and submitted paperwork stating that he was alive in order to continue receiving the checks. The total amount taken was $39,435.

Lynn faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.   A sentencing date of April 29, 2015 was set.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Lafayette attorney Daniel James Stanford, 57, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for conspiring to distribute synthetic drugs, conspiring to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, and money laundering.

Stanford, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, one count of conspiracy to introduce or cause to be introduced misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to launder money, and five counts of money laundering. He was also ordered to serve six years of supervised release. The other defendants were sentenced on December 16, 2014. (*For a graphic listing the sentences of the other defendants refer to the end of this document.)

After eight days in trial, more than six hours of deliberation and testimony from 30-plus witnesses, a federal jury found Stanford guilty on August 29, 2014. Stanford was found not guilty on five counts of the indictment, which related to additional money laundering charges.

In September of 2012, Curious Goods LLC and co-conspirators Alexander Derrick Reece, 42 of Gainesville, Fla.; Drew T. Green, 40 of Roswell, Ga.; Thomas William Malone Jr., 48 of Roswell, Ga.; Boyd Anthony Barrow, 46 of Canton, Ga.; Joshua Espinoza, 51 of Marietta, Ga.; Richard Joseph Buswell, 46 of Lafayette, La.; Daniel Paul Francis, 44 of Dawsonville, Ga.; and Stanford were charged in a 16-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute synthetic drugs, conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and various money laundering charges.

At the time of the indictment, Curious Goods LLC was a business based in Lafayette that marketed smoking and other products in stores throughout Acadiana. The stores sold a product called “Mr. Miyagi” that was infused with synthetic cannabinoids. Although mislabeled as a potpourri, “Mr. Miyagi” was sold to be smoked for the sole purpose of getting the consumer “high.” The synthetic cannabinoids infused into “Mr. Miyagi” are considered Schedule I controlled dangerous substances under federal law. From March 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, Curious Goods stores made approximately $5 million from the sale of “Mr. Miyagi.”

Barrow and Espinoza controlled and operated Pinnacle Products LLC/Pinnacle Products Group, based in Marietta, Ga. Pinnacle was the manufacturer of the “Mr. Miyagi” products and supplied the products to the local Curious Goods stores. Pinnacle obtained the synthetic cannabinoids used to manufacture “Mr. Miyagi” from NutraGenomics, which was located in Alpharetta, Ga., and was controlled by co-conspirators Green and Malone. NutraGenomics distributed synthetic cannabinoids throughout the United States.

Stanford, who is a criminal defense attorney, represented himself at trial. During opening statements, Stanford told the jury he was “absolutely not guilty of any of this.” However, at trial, the evidence showed that Stanford was actively involved with the Curious Goods enterprise, that he was well aware that the company sold a product called “Mr. Miyagi,” and that “Mr. Miyagi” was a substance that was infused with synthetic cannabinoids.

Exhibits introduced at trial exposed that “Mr. Miyagi” was specifically labelled “not for human consumption” but was sold as a product that would be smoked by users to get high. The evidence also demonstrated that the product was packaged to be intentionally false and misleading, marketed as potpourri. The exterior package label of “Mr. Miyagi” stated that it was to be used to refresh scents in drawers, closets, and cars. Evidence introduced at trial clearly demonstrated that Stanford knew the product was being consumed by humans, that it was harmful and not a scent refresher, and that the product was marketed to youthful customers. The intentional mislabeling and misbranding, spearheaded by Stanford, were part of a legal strategy and subterfuge to feign compliance with the law, to avoid law enforcement detection, and to avoid civil and criminal liability.

Among the many witnesses testifying at trial were local law enforcement and DEA Task Force agents who testified that during the execution of search warrants on December 8, 2011, they searched all Curious Goods store locations, including the company’s warehouse in Lafayette, and seized approximately 190 pounds of synthetic drugs worth approximately $517,000.

“The sentencing of this last defendant brings an end to this case, but not to our commitment to prosecute those who sell these illegal and dangerous drugs in our community,” Finley stated. “This case highlights how lucrative this industry is and the lengths that criminals are willing to go to profit while endangering the health and safety of citizens. Too many members of our community visited these shops that sold this poison, especially the youth. Stanford’s insatiable desire for money drove him to join this conspiracy and put many, many people in harm’s way. Today, his greed and criminal activity have consequences. Stanford misused his position as an attorney to facilitate the sales of a dangerous drug and to launder money. I want to thank the men and women of the federal, state and local law enforcement for bringing these defendants to justice. They are to be commended for years of hard work to get these illegal substances off the street and hold these criminals accountable. I hope that store owners, franchisees, investors and distributors who want to make a fast buck at the expense of others, think twice and understand that we will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute their criminal activity.”

Buswell was sentenced to 103 months in prison, Green was sentenced 117 months in prison, Malone was sentenced to 117 months in prison, Barrow was sentenced to 70 months in prison, Espinoza was sentenced to 61 months in prison, and Francis was sentenced to 42 months in prison. Green and Malone were also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine. Curious Goods LLC was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. The company was also ordered to forfeit $859,989 in illegal proceeds derived from the scheme, as well as two cars and a speed boat.

The DEA, FBI, IRS, HSI, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Lafayette Police Department conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker, J. Collin Sims, and Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

*Defendants Prison Term Supervised Release Fine Counts

Drew Green

117 months

3 years

$20,000

1

Tommy Malone

117 months

3 years

$20,000

1

Boyd Barrow

70 months

3 years

 

1

Joshua Espinoza

61 months

3 years

 

1

Daniel Francis

42 months

1 year

 

2

Richard Buswell

103 months

3 years

 

1

Curious Goods LLC

 

 

$40,000

1

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Charenton man pleaded guilty to possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

Steven Quinn Vilcan, 46 of Charenton, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard Haik for one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents learned that marijuana was present at Vilcan’s home, which is located on Chitimacha tribal lands in Charenton. The home was searched on July 7, 2014, and 3,232 grams of marijuana were found inside a duffle bag in the closet of a spare bedroom.

Vilcan faces up to five years in prison, two years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.

Jurisdiction in Indian Country is based upon the unique sovereign relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. Congress has criminalized certain acts that take place in Indian Country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes all felony 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 Jamilla A. Bynog and John Luke Walker are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Ruston man was sentenced to 57 months in prison for bringing methamphetamine into Louisiana for sale.

Gale Allen Schoonover, 55, of Ruston, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the August 19, 2014 guilty plea, Schoonover was arrested on March 14, 2014 after returning from Dallas, where he had obtained methamphetamine that he intended to sell in Lincoln Parish. Law enforcement agents received information that the defendant was transporting methamphetamine for sale and monitored his whereabouts until the arrest. Schoonover possessed a total of 105.62 grams of pure methamphetamine as well as 1.735 kilograms of marijuana.

The DEA and the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Beaumont attorney was sentenced to 12 months in prison for failing to file his federal income tax return.

Craig J. Schexnaider, 63, of Beaumont, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn for one count of failing to file an income tax return. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and serve one year of supervised release. He must also pay his tax liability of $98,805.57 to the U.S. Treasury. The court set a surrender date of February 11, 2015. According to evidence presented at the April 14, 2014 guilty plea, Schexnaider, an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, had gross income in calendar year 2008 of approximately $140,000, an amount in excess of the $3,500 minimum that triggered the requirement to file a federal income tax return. And, even after he requested a six-month extension for the filing of his 2008 federal individual income tax return and the Department of the Treasury approved his request and granted an extension until October 15, 2009, Schexnaider willfully failed to file his 2008 federal individual income return by October 15, 2009 as required by law.

The sentencing resulted from a Bill of Information that was filed in November 2013 charging Schexnaider with four counts of failing to file income tax returns when he had the following in gross income: $73,920 in 2007; $143,797 in 2008; $110,669 in 2009; and $43,740 in 2010. The government dismissed the remaining counts after sentencing.

The IRS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan prosecuted this recusal case from the Eastern District of Texas.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Texan pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell methamphetamine in the Winn Parish area.

Instead of proceeding with a federal jury trial scheduled to start today, Alwyn Nord Stewart Jr., 35, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Stewart; David Lamont Mangum, 36, of Winnfield, La.; Altomio Kente Phillips, 29, of Winnfield; and Demetrius Marie Jackson, 31, of Deridder, La., conspired to distribute methamphetamine transported from Houston to the Winnfield area from the beginning of 2011 until September 2012. Stewart was the supplier of methamphetamine to Mangum. Stewart and Mangum would arrange transport of the drugs to Louisiana, and other conspirators assisted with the delivery and distribution.

Stewart faces 20 years to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine. He and the other conspirators also face forfeiture of the property seized during the case, which includes: $29,067, two plots of land in Winnfield, seven vehicles and other seized items. A sentencing date of April 2, 2015 was set. Mangum, Phillips and Jackson previously pleaded guilty and are set to be sentenced on January 22, 2015.

The defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation named “Trend Setters.” The DEA conducted the 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. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr., Brandon B. Brown and Joseph G. Jarzabek are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Dallas man was sentenced Thursday to 84 months in prison for a conspiracy to sell methamphetamine in the Shreveport area.

Leonardo A. Gonzalez, 36, of Dallas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 or more grams of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the February 26, 2014 guilty plea, the DEA conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from codefendant Bruce A. Lee in the Shreveport area in September of 2013. Lee and Gonzalez were later questioned and searched. Agents found 3 ounces of methamphetamine in Lee’s vehicle and 5 ounces of methamphetamine in an apartment Lee was using in Shreveport. Gonzalez admitted to obtaining the drugs from a Texas source and selling them to Lee. Agents recovered $10,000 from Gonzalez’s vehicle.

Lee was sentenced to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release on July 9, 2014 for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 or more grams of methamphetamine.

The DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety took part in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that two Texans were sentenced on Monday to 150 months in prison for kidnapping an Arkansas man and lying to FBI special agents.

Aldo Cantu, 21, and Anthony Segura, 22, both of Lufkin, Texas, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James for one count of kidnapping and one count of lying to an FBI special agent. They were also sentenced to five years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearings, the victim was taken by the defendants with the intent to drive him to Texas at gunpoint from his home in Pine Bluff, Ark., on November 16, 2014. The defendants drove the victim to a motel room in Pine Bluff. Thereafter, Cantu and Segura placed the victim in a car. The victim escaped and reported his kidnapping when the car stopped at a service station in Lake Providence, La. East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded. Cantu and Segura were arrested and two firearms used during the kidnapping were seized. Each defendant was interviewed by FBI special agents and lied by saying they had not traveled to Arkansas that night and did not participate in the kidnapping.

“These defendants put the life of the victim in danger and lied to federal agents about their involvement,” Finley stated. “Taking someone against their will at gunpoint is a crime that is prosecutable and has serious consequences. We will continue to prosecute those who ignore the rights of others and lie to agents who are trying to enforce the law. ”

The FBI conducted this investigation with the assistance from the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and promote firearm safety.

United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Sabine Parish man and a Lincoln Parish man were sentenced Monday for one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

 

MANY RESIDENT SENTENCED TO 173 MONTHS IN PRISON

SHREVEPORT, La. – Jamal Holland, 28, of Many, La., was sentenced to 173 months by U.S. District Court Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. Holland was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the September 9, 2014 guilty plea, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Holland on September 18, 2013 and October 3, 2013. For both occasions, Holland was recorded selling a total of 39 grams of methamphetamine.

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

 

CHOUDRANT MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON

MONROE, La. – Christopher Takewell, 38, of Choudrant, La., was sentenced to 120 months by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. Takewell was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the September 25, 2014 guilty plea, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled purchase of 104.65 grams of pure methamphetamine in January of 2014 from Takewell at his home. The residence was searched on January 24, 2014, and the $6,250 used in the controlled purchase was recovered.

The DEA-Monroe Field Office, the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Metro Narcotics Unit based in Monroe conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

“Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive drug that threatens our communities,” Finley stated. “These sentences show our resolve to fight this illegal and dangerous drug activity.”

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Quitman man was sentenced Monday to 210 months in prison for producing child pornography.

Christopher Nixon, 22, of Quitman, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James for one count of production of child pornography. He was also sentenced to serve 15 years of supervised release and is required to register as a sex offender. According to evidence presented at the September 5, 2014 guilty plea, between February 1, 2012 and March 30, 2012, Nixon produced child pornography using a male under the age of 18. Canadian law enforcement discovered the videos during an unrelated investigation in May of 2013. The videos depicted sex acts between Nixon and an underage male.

“This office will vigorously prosecute those who create, distribute and possess child pornography,” Finley stated. “Sexual abuse, including child pornography, is a growing problem and has devastating consequences for the victimized children. These children suffer additional physical and mental abuse as these images continue to circulate worldwide across the internet for many years, long after they were victims of the initial horrific acts. With this guilty plea, we have stopped the flow of these materials from one producer at the source. I would like to thank all who are involved and dedicated to halting the production of child pornography in this district.”

“This case shows anyone who produces child pornography can and will be held accountable for their criminal actions regardless of where in the world the investigation leads or how much time has passed,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations-New Orleans. “Sexual abuse scars children for life, and HSI will continue to use all the tools in its arsenal, to include the HSI Operation Predator smartphone app that helped identify and locate Mr. Nixon in this case, to identify the perpetrators of these horrendous acts and seek justice on behalf of their victims.”

Homeland Security Investigations Shreveport, the Louisiana State Police, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Canadian law enforcement 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 Bossier Parish man was sentenced to 192 months in prison for illegally possessing multiple firearms.

Donald W. “Duck” Reyenga, 49, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a felony. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release after he completes his prison term. According to evidence presented at the August 6, 2014 guilty plea, members of the Bossier Combined Narcotics Task Force learned that Reyenga was attempting to sell stolen firearms. On April 17, 2014, agents scheduled a controlled purchase at a Bossier City hotel. There, Reyenga sold a Hi-Standard, model Double 9, .22 caliber revolver, a Savage model 93 .22LR caliber rifle, and ammunition. His sale of the stolen firearms was recorded and he was arrested. Agents later recovered another stolen rifle that Reyenga had sold that morning along with other items stolen from residences in Red River Parish.

During the guilty plea hearing, Reyenga admitted he was an Armed Career Offender as defined by the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). The ACCA increases the mandatory minimum sentence to 15 years for a defendant if he has three previous convictions for either a violent felony or a serious drug offense. Reyenga has numerous previous felony convictions in Bossier and Caddo parishes including attempted manslaughter, burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, distribution of marijuana, possession of cocaine and illegal possession of stolen things.

“This sentence is a reminder that it is illegal for felons to sell or possess firearms,” Finley stated. “Those with felony records must comply with firearms laws. We will vigorously prosecute dangerous and persistent felons in order to protect the public”

The ATF and the Bossier Combined Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case as part the Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. This initiative is designed to reduce firearm crimes by using federal statutes to remove dangerous and persistent felons from the community.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bastrop tax preparer was sentenced to 39 months in prison for filing fraudulent income tax returns using stolen identities and false information.

Claudia Marie Mays, 41, of Bastrop, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James for one count of aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a false tax return, two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of identity theft. She was also ordered to pay $94,043.15 restitution and was sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the June 17, 2014 guilty plea, Mays prepared fraudulent income tax returns and filed 15 fraudulent tax returns using stolen identities and false information from January 2011 to April 2011. The IRS issued $94,043.15 in fraudulent refunds because of the scheme.

Co-conspirator Carla Inzina, 53, also of Bastrop, assisted Mays in filing one of the fraudulent returns by obtaining another person’s personal information and using it to file a false return without the person’s permission. Inzina was sentenced to three years of probation for one count of aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a false return.

The IRS Criminal Investigation-Shreveport Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a grand jury indicted a former Homer Police Officer Wednesday for depriving three people of their civil rights by attacking them and also for lying to FBI agents.

Former Homer Police Officer Willie Fred Knowles, 64, of Homer, was charged with three counts of deprivation of civil rights and one count of lying to a federal agency.  According to the indictment, while acting as a police officer, Knowles violated a victim’s civil rights on October 29, 2012 by attacking the victim. He pushed the victim to the floor and struck the victim in the face and body causing bodily injury. He then lied to the FBI on March 1, 2013 about the incident. Knowles told agents that he was attacked and never struck the victim.  In two other incidents on January 14, 2012 and July 5, 2012, Knowles deployed his TASER without justification on two victims, which caused physical injury and violated the victims’ civil rights.

Knowles faces 10 years in prison for each civil rights count and five years in prison for lying to a federal agency. He also faces three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick and Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that three defendants in an insurance fraud scheme were sentenced and one ordered to pay more than $190,000 for staging automobile accidents in order to collect insurance payments.

Oliver Lockett, 44, of Breaux Bridge, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $193,074.86 restitution; Aleric Johnson, 50, of New Iberia, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $62,492.30 restitution; and Buddy Estelle, 53, of New Iberia, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Each was sentenced for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. District Judge Richard T. Haik presided over the hearings.

According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, the defendants admitted to roles in vehicle accidents between sometime in 2003 until March 10, 2010. Lockett admitted to planning accidents where members of the scheme served either as a driver causing the accident or a witness. As a result, Lockett made multiple claims to insurance companies for property damage and personal injury. The accidents were staged in Lafayette Parish and surrounding areas.

The Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announcedthat aShreveport man pleaded guilty Monday to possessing firearms and ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies.

Donzell Joseph Samuels Jr., 35, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to one count of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. According to evidence presented at the 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 his house 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 in addition to 16 rounds of 9 mm ammunition in an extended magazine and 33 rounds of .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.

Samuels faces up to 10 years in prison and one to three years supervised release. He also faces a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of March 19, 2015 was set.

The ATF and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting 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.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Curious Goods LLC and six individuals charged in a synthetic marijuana sales and money laundering scheme operated through the company’s retail stores were sentenced today. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the hearings.

Curious Goods LLC was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. The company was also ordered to forfeit $859,989 in illegal proceeds derived from the scheme, as well as two cars and a speed boat. Also sentenced today was one of the company’s owners, Richard Buswell of Lafayette. Buswell was sentenced to 103 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Five other co-conspirators were also sentenced today as follows:

Defendants

Prison term

Supervised release

Fine

Counts

Drew Green

117 months

3 years

$20,000

1

Tommy Malone

117 months

3 years

$20,000

1

Boyd Barrow

70 months

3 years

 

1

Josh Espinoza

61 months

3 years

 

1

Daniel Francis

42 months

1 year

 

2

In September of 2012, Curious Goods LLC and co-conspirators: Alexander Derrick Reece, 42 of Gainesville, Fla.; Drew T. Green, 40 of Roswell, Ga.; Thomas William Malone, Jr., 48 of Roswell, Ga.; Boyd Anthony Barrow, 46 of Canton, Ga.; Joshua Espinoza, 51 of Marietta, Ga.; Richard Joseph Buswell, 46 of Lafayette, La.; Daniel Paul Francis, 44 of Dawsonville, Ga.; and Daniel James Stanford, 57, of Lafayette, La., were charged by a grand jury in a 16-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute synthetic drugs (Count 1), conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce (Count 2), conspiracy to commit money laundering, and various money laundering charges (Counts 3 to 16).

At the time of the indictment, Curious Goods LLC was a business based in Lafayette that marketed smoking and other products in stores throughout Acadiana. Curious Goods stores sold a product called “Mr. Miyagi” that was infused with synthetic cannabinoids. Although mislabeled as a potpourri, “Mr. Miyagi” was sold to be smoked for the sole purpose of getting the consumer of the product “high.” The synthetic cannabinoids infused into “Mr. Miyagi” are considered Schedule I controlled dangerous substances under federal law. From March 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, Curious Goods stores made approximately $5 million from the sale of the illegal “Mr. Miyagi” product.

Barrow and Espinoza controlled and operated Pinnacle Products LLC/Pinnacle Products Group, based in Marietta, Ga. Pinnacle was the manufacturer of the “Mr. Miyagi” products and supplied the products to the local Curious Goods stores. Pinnacle obtained the synthetic cannabinoids used to manufacture “Mr. Miyagi” from NutraGenomics, which was located in an Alpharetta, Ga., and was controlled by co-conspirators Green and Malone. NutraGenomics distributed synthetic cannabinoids throughout the United States.

“This case is a huge victory for the people of Acadiana,” U.S. Attorney Finley stated. “The defendants in this case intentionally sold a dangerous drug that was shamelessly marketed to young people. Too many members of our community were lured into the Curious Goods stores that sold this poison. This case highlights how lucrative this industry is and reveals the lengths that criminals are willing to go to profit while endangering the health and safety of citizens. Dedicated men and women of federal, state and local law enforcement fought to bring these defendants to justice. They are to be commended for years of hard work to get these illegal substances off the streets and hold these criminals accountable. I hope that store owners, franchisees, investors and distributers who want a make a fast buck at the expense of others think twice and understand that we will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute their criminal activity.”

The remaining defendant, Lafayette lawyer Daniel Stanford, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15, 2014. Stanford was convicted after an eight-day jury trial on August 29, 2014. Read more at: www.justice.gov/usao/law/news/wdla20140829.

The DEA, FBI, IRS, HSI, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Lafayette Police Department conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker, J. Collin Sims, and Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a New Iberia man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for lying in order to receive more than $350,0000 in Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits.

Buddy Estelle, 53, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of making a false statement to the Social Security Administration. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $352,937.20 in restitution. According to evidence presented at the September 12, 2013 guilty plea, Estelle started receiving SSA disability payments in 1984.  While attending a routine meeting concerning his benefit eligibility on Feb. 8, 2011, he told SSA staff members at the New Iberia office that he had not worked since 2000.  During the guilty plea, Estelle admitted that he has been self-employed since 2000.  He owns a business that buys and crushes cars for scrap.  Estelle admitted to improperly receiving $352,937.20 of benefits to which he was not entitled.

The Social Security Administration and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Many pleaded guilty Wednesday to distributing methamphetamine.

Marcus Johnson, 37, of Many, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, law enforcement agents conducted controlled buys of methamphetamine from Johnson on November 4, 7, and 12 of 2013.  Johnson would conduct his methamphetamine sales at various retail stores in Many.

Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison, not less than three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Houston man was sentenced Tuesday to 120 months in prison for bringing a minor from Texas to Louisiana and forcing her to engage in prostitution.

Joshua Baker, 29, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for one count of transportation of a minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was also sentenced to serve five years of supervised release, and must register as a sex offender for life. According to evidence presented at the August 21, 2014 guilty plea, Baker began communicating with a minor in San Antonio, Texas, in 2012. He then transported her from Texas to Shreveport in May of 2013 and forced her to engage in prostitution. For two to three weeks after that, he directed her to engage in prostitution and physically abused her if she refused.

“My office is committed to seeking justice for victims of human trafficking,” Finley stated.  “The defendant preyed on a young victim and exploited her for profit. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to track down and prosecute sex traffickers.”

The FBI, Child Exploitation Task Force, conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph G. Jarzabek 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 also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.  The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Dry Prong man pleaded guilty Monday to illegally excavating a protected archaeological site in the Kisatchie National Forest.

Robert Edgar Miles Jr., 44, of Dry Prong, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge James D. Kirk to one count of unauthorized excavation, removal, damage, and alteration of archaeological resources. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, U.S. Forest Service officers and archaeologists found a protected archaeological site, which was used as a campsite by native peoples from 2000 B.C. to 700 A.D., in the Kisatchie National Forest that had been heavily excavated leaving deep holes throughout the site. During the one-year investigation, officers captured images of Miles digging at the site in 2013 and later recovered multiple artifacts from the defendant.

Miles faces one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a $10,000 fine. Sentencing was set for March 5, 2015.

The U.S. Forest Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.

Information on case verdicts, pleads and other news being tweeted

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/MONROE/LAKE CHARLES, La.:  United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has joined Twitter to assist in providing news, announcements and other information to the public.  The office will provide information regarding office events, links to press releases, photos and media advisories.

“Twitter is another avenue to provide information to the public,” Finley stated.  “Those who follow us on Twitter will receive our Tweets on their mobile devices, desktop computers, electronic tablets and other internet capable devices.  We are excited to offer this online service.”

To follow us on Twitter, go to https://twitter.com/USAO_WDLA, or add our Twitter address, @USAO_WDLA, to the Twitter app on your electronic device. In addition to Twitter, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also maintains a website (www.justice.gov/usao/law), which is the primary source of information relating to functions of the office.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican national pleaded guilty Tuesday to his role in a scheme to sell counterfeit identification and also to illegally reentering the United States. A second Mexican national pleaded guilty to hiring an illegal alien.

Nazario Flores-Cordero, 44, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to 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, pleaded guilty to one count of encouraging or inducing Nazario Flores-Cordero, an illegal alien, to reside in the United States by employing him. They pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks.

According to the evidence presented at the 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.

Flores-Cordero faces five years in prison for fraud and for false Social Security number representation, plus two years in prison for illegal re-entry. Herrera-Gonzalez faces five years in prison. Both face one to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count. The court can also order them deported. A sentencing date of March 23, 2015 was set.

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

ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a former correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., along with a relative of an inmate, pleaded guilty Monday for their roles in a conspiracy to introduce a cell phone into the prison.

Maggie Kay Comeaux, 28, of Ball, La., entered a conditional guilty plea to one count of conspiracy, and Paris Smith, 21, of Detroit, Mich., entered a conditional guilty plea to one count of providing contraband to a prisoner to U.S. Magistrate Judge James D. Kirk. The pleas will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the evidence presented at the guilty pleas, from January 2013 to April 2013, Comeaux accepted a $400 bribe from Smith and two other conspirators to smuggle a cell phone and charging cords into the prison. A review of the subscriber information showed that the phone was listed in Smith’s name. Also, a record of a money wire transfer showed that $400 was sent to Comeaux.

Comeaux faces up to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy, and Smith faces one year in prison and one year of supervised release for providing contraband to a prisoner.  They also face up to a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of February 5, 2015 was set for both defendants.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a California man pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender after traveling to Alexandria.

Tyrone Bradshaw, 49, of Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of failure to register as a sex offender.  According to evidence presented at the 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 have his sex offender status included 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 16-year-old. He was released in 1994.

Bradshaw faces up to 10 years in prison, five years to life supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  A sentencing date of February 26, 2015 was set.

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

LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a child in Lake Charles, La., to engage in sexual activity.

Timothy Kelly, 40, of Jeannette, Penn., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of using a facility in interstate commerce to attempt to cause a minor to engage in elicit sexual activity.  According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Kelly began communicating with a 13-year-old girl in Lake Charles early in 2013. He discussed sexually explicit conduct and sent explicit images of himself to the girl. He also requested that the girl have sex with him and discussed traveling to Louisiana for that purpose. On January 12, 13, and 14 of 2013, the defendant asked the girl to send him sexually explicit pictures of herself.

Kelly faces 10 years to life in prison, five years to life of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for each count. A sentencing date was not set.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice launched 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Jamilla A. Bynog are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.:  United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana collected $10,732,350 through civil, criminal, and asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2014.

Of the total amount, $6,406,530 was collected in criminal actions and $515,884 was collected in civil actionsThe U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with various other offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,166,498.

Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billionin civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.

Included in the FY 2014 criminal collections, the Western District of Louisiana recovered $948,249.11 from Lake Charles Dr. Lynn Foret. The doctor was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Haik on December 17, 2013, to 12 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release in addition to the restitution amount for health care fraud. From 2003 to 2009, Foret injected his patients’ knees with a steroid solution while falsely billing and receiving payments from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies for a more costly drug called Hyalgan.

Also included in the FY 2014 civil collections, are the Western District of Louisiana Financial Litigation Unit’s recovery of $290,969.71 in court-ordered restitution from Kirby Cole, which will be distributed to the victim, the Phillips Foundation.  To date, $1,287,323.10 in restitution has been collected. Cole was sentenced in Shreveport by U.S. District Court Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. in April of 2010 to pay the total restitution of $2,040,715 for mail fraud associated with his work at the Phillips Foundation, where he was trustee of the charitable organization.

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

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder.  “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy.  And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws; in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse; and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”  

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting the public and recovering funds for victims of federal crime and for the federal treasury,” stated U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley.  “Victims depend on our office to collect restitution.  We will continue to make every effort to collect restitution on behalf of victims and hold accountable those who seek to profit from illegal activities.”

LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man was sentenced Thursday, to 200 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession of cocaine.

Calvin James Catalon Jr., 35, of Lafayette, La., was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi on one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. According to evidence presented at the May 22, 2014 guilty plea, a Lake Charles police officer stopped Catalon’s vehicle for a traffic violation on January 17, 2014 on I-10.  After the officer conducted a search of the vehicle, the officer found a bag containing white powder which was tested at a DEA laboratory in Dallas and identified as cocaine. The net weight of the illegal substance was approximately 991.8 grams.

“Because of the work of an alert police officer, a large shipment of cocaine was taken off the streets,” Finley stated. “Our goal is to keep communities safe and free of these dangerous substances.  We will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases.”

The FBI, DEA, Lake Charles Police Department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Calcasieu Anti-Drug Team conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that aCanadian womanwas sentenced Thursday to 30 months in prison for conspiring to buy methamphetamine in Houston for sale in the Lake Charles area.

Lisa Odale, 59, of Airdrie, Canada, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi for one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of a substance containing a detectable quantity of methamphetamine.  She was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,988 in restitution for extradition costs. According to evidence presented at the June 5, 2014 guilty plea, Odale, a Canadian who was living in Houston at the time of her arrest, conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine from December 2005 to April 2006. On January 30, 2006, police responded to a home invasion complaint when they found methamphetamine among Odale’s possessions. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Odale had been selling the methamphetamine to dealers who would distribute the illegal drugs in the Lake Charles area.

The DEA, Houston Police Department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Team participated in this OCDETF investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.

The defendants were arrested as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation Operation Whiteout.  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.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal grand jury indicted four people in a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution operation in Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, and Red River parishes.

Those named in the 16-count indictment are: Shawn F. Swift, 35; Linda G. Brown, 59; Ricky R. Swift, 62; and Jarvis D. Randle, 26, all of Shreveport.

According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and cocaine base from January of 2013 to October of 2014 in Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto and Red River parishes.  The indictment also seeks forfeiture of 39 weapons seized during the investigation of this case and more than $360,000. Specifically, the indictment states that $89,700 was seized during a traffic stop on September 21, 2014; $237,753 was seized from the home of Ricky Swift and Linda Brown on October 21, 2014; and $40,457 was seized from the home of Shawn Swift on October 21, 2014.

The defendants face various possible penalties depending on the drug quantity involved and their criminal histories as listed below:

• Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute Cocaine - up to 20 years in prison, and for some, up to life in prison, and up to five years of supervised release;

• Distribution of Cocaine and Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine - up to 20 years in prison, and for some, up to 40 years in prison, and up to five years of supervised release;

• Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking - a mandatory five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence and three years of supervised release;

• Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon - up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release;

• Possession of Firearms with Obliterated Serial Numbers - up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release; and

• Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises - up to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release.

The defendants also face a fine of up to $5 million and forfeiture of the money and property seized in the case.

The defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation named “Not So Swift.” The FBI, ATF, DEA, Louisiana State Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the 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. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Allison D. Bushnell 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.

LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal grand jury indicted 14 people in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Lafayette, New Iberia and the surrounding areas.

 Those named in the 20-count indictment are:

Gary Hunt, 58, of Spendora, Texas; Elliot Jolet, 34, of New Iberia, La.; Anita Desormeaux, 42, of New Iberia; Ko Chanhkongshinh, 37, of Youngsville, La.; Jenee Lynn Hargrave, 29, of Scott, La.; David Lowery, 32, of New Iberia; Everette Dupuis, 39, of New Iberia; Michael Guidry, 44, of Erath, La.; Tyrone Howard, 42, of Youngsville; Kevin Jefferson, 31, of New Iberia; Nared Souphannavong, 29, of New Iberia; Brandi Boullion, 27, of New Iberia; Dewey Migues, 35, of New Iberia; and
Corey Freyou, 37, of New Iberia.

According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in New Iberia, Lafayette, and the surrounding areas. Jolet and Desormeaux purchased methamphetamine from Hunt in Texas and other sources and then transported it to the South Central Louisiana area. It was then sold or distributed in reduced quantities among the other conspirators. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of crystal methamphetamine, more than $5,400, a vehicle, and several firearms.  Of the defendants, 12 have been arrested.  Dupuis and Hargrave still remain at large.  If you have information on the location of the defendants who are still at large, please call the DEA at 337-706-3940 or the U.S. Marshal’s Service at 337-262-6666.

The defendants face various possible penalties depending on the drug quantity involved and their drug histories. Some defendants face up to 20 years in prison, and some face up to life in prison, and up to 10 years of supervised release, for the conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine count.  The defendants also face up to 40 years in prison, and some up to life, and up to eight years of supervised release, for the distribution of methamphetamine count; they face up to eight years in prison and up to three years of supervised release for the use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating a drug trafficking crime count; and defendant Migues faces up to 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release for the possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon count. They also face a fine of up to $20 million and forfeiture of the money and property seized in the case.

The defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation. The DEA, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafayette Police Department participated in this OCDETF investigation. The U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office assisted in the arrests. 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. Attorneys Myers P. Namie, Daniel J. McCoy and Robert F. Moore 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 announced today that a Homer man was sentenced to 38 months in prison for stealing more than $59,000 from his Claiborne Parish employer’s bank account.

John Bob Jr., 47, of Homer, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $58,248 restitution. According to the evidence presented at the July 15, 2014 guilty plea, the defendant used his employer’s debit card and personal identification number to make approximately 200 withdrawals totaling $59,602 from May 2012 to July 2013 from banks across northwest Louisiana.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announcedtoday that aBossier City man pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered firearm.

Daniel L. Dawson, 25, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possessing an unregistered firearm. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Bossier City Police responded to reports of gun fire on March 25, 2014. Dawson was found in possession of an H. Koon, model Snake Charmer, .410 gauge shotgun that had its shoulder stock cut down to a pistol grip. This made the shotgun less than 26 inches in length. The weapon was also found to not have been registered to Dawson through the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Dawson faces up to 10 years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, and forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition. A sentencing date of January 15, 2015 was set.

The ATF and Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce the possession of unlawful firearms and the use of firearms to commit crimes.

LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a former purchasing agent for a Lake Charles aviation company was sentenced to 36 months in prison for his role in stealing more than $900,000 worth of aircraft parts in return for cash.

David Kuhl, 54, of Federal Way, Washington, was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik, to pay restitution of $930,401 and serve three years of supervised release. Kuhl pleaded guilty on October 10, 2013, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Kuhl used his position as a purchasing agent for Aeroframe Services LLC in Lake Charles to steal merchandise and then sell that merchandise to other businesses in the aviation industry across the United States. After those aviation companies sold the parts, they would either wire money or send checks to Kuhl who would then pay his co-conspirator at Aeroframe.  He was also paid in the form of airline tickets, and on one occasion, in the form of a family vacation. Kuhl took part in the conspiracy from February 26, 2007 to June 10, 2009. Aeroframe is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified Part 145 repair station and maintenance repair operations business.

“This defendant abused his position to satisfy his greed,” Finley stated.  “We will prosecute anyone who commits fraud against businesses in the Western District of Louisiana.  Thank you to the prosecutors and law enforcement agencies who worked this case.”

The U.S. Secret Service and the Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard A. Willis and Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Ville Platte man was sentenced Friday to 102 months in prison for the armed robbery of more than $11,000 from a truck stop and a casino in St. Landry Parish.

Ronald James Doomes, 26, of Ville Platte, La., was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to 18 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery and 84 months in prison for one count of use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was also sentenced to serve five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,100 in restitution. A jury convicted Doomes after a four-day trial that ended on July 31, 2014. According to evidence presented at the trial, Arinkskie Tryvon Orlandeze Jones and Dudley Nelson, also of Ville Platte, took part in the armed robbery on April 8, 2011, at the Tiger Trax Truckstop #7 and Video Joker II Casino located in St. Landry Parish. After robbing the truck stop and casino, the defendants left with $11,675 in a white sports utility vehicle.  St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputies located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. A high-speed chase ensued, three individuals exited the vehicle in a residential area of Opelousas and fled on foot. Nelson was apprehended. Jones and Doomes turned themselves in to authorities six days later.

After a three-day trial that ended on August 27, 2014, a jury found Jones guilty of one count of interference with commerce by robbery. A sentencing date has not been set. Nelson was sentenced on September 22, 2014 to 105 months in prison for his role in the robbery.

“This robbery placed innocent employees’ and customers’ lives at risk,” Finley stated.  “I hope this case serves to dispel the notion that robbery is a quick and easy way to make money.  If you commit this type of crime, you will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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 PSN attorneys prosecute a variety of federal firearms violations listed in Titles 18 and 26 of the U.S. Code, including illegal possession of firearms and commission of crimes with firearms.

The FBI, ATF and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a New Iberia man was sentenced to 210 months in prison for traveling to North Carolina in order to have sex with a minor.

Ray Paul Dionne, 55, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. He was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Dionne admitted that he traveled to North Carolina on two occasions in June and August of 2012 to engage in sexual contact with a minor under the age of 12.  On August 27, 2012, when law enforcement learned that Dionne was staying at a North Carolina residence, they entered the residence and discovered Dionne lying in bed with the child.

“One of our top priorities in this District is protecting children,” Finley stated. “This case should send a message that Louisiana is not a safe haven for those who exploit children.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and prosecute this type of activity to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Boiling Point Springs Police Department, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation.  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, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a settlement has been reached with Carl Trahan, Melissa Trahan, the Estate of Ernie Little, Thad Little, Stacy Little, T.L. Cattle Co., and Little Cattle Co., for $255,000 in damages associated with claims submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to qualify for and receive 2005 Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payments following Hurricane Rita.

In 2005, the LIP provided payments to livestock producers for livestock deaths resulting from natural disasters, including Hurricane Rita.  In order to qualify for disaster payments, producers were required to submit documentation to the FSA office to prove that the death of the eligible livestock occurred in an eligible parish as a direct result of an eligible hurricane. Beginning in June 2006, the settling parties made statements and claims to the FSA to obtain LIP payments which the United States contends were false or fraudulent.

“The federal government set up a program to help livestock producers who sustained significant losses during natural disasters,” Finley stated. “It is unfortunate that there are people who misuse these programs, but they should understand that such conduct will not be taken lightly in this District.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Inspector General, investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen J. King and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Investigator Christopher Knighton handled the civil case. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

If you witness or have knowledge of any violations of laws and regulations related to USDA programs, contact the OIG Hotline by telephone at (800) 424-9121 or TDD (202) 690-1202, or by email at usda.hotline@oig.usda.gov.

LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Desperado’s Cabaret owner James Panos was sentenced to 72 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy.

James “Jim” Panos, 56, of Broussard, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of racketeering conspiracy at the now closed Desperado’s Cabaret in Carencro, La. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and agreed to forfeit illegal proceeds, 10 firearms already seized, the Desperado’s property, to include the building and land.

In addition to Panos, his wife, Jennifer Panos, 48, of Broussard, was also sentenced to 48 months in prison and two years of supervised release for one count of racketeering conspiracy, as well as forfeiture of the items listed.

The following former Desperado’s employees were also sentenced today for one count of conspiracy to maintain drug involved premises and distribution of controlled substances:

• Tanja Clavier, 29, of Church Point, La. was sentenced to five years probation.
• Acquila Latigue, 28, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced to five years probation.

“The defendants conspired to promote an environment of drug abuse and prostitution in our community without regard to the harm it caused,” Finley stated. “This office will continue to work to prosecute anyone who violates the law and damages our communities with these types of activities. I want to thank the law enforcement agencies for their hard work.”

James Panos, Jennifer Panos, Clavier and Latigue are the last defendants in a 10-count indictment to be sentenced. They were charged on May 15, 2013, in an indictment 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.

On August 7, 2014, Desperado’s co-owner Dipak Vora, 70, of Baton Rouge, and five others were also sentenced for their roles in the illegal activity at Desperados’. Vora was sentenced to 10 months in prison, one year of supervised release and a $10,000 fine for one count of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering, and Gerald Cormier, 44, of Carencro, was sentenced to 29 months in prison and one year of supervised release on his conviction for distribution of cocaine.

The following former Desperado’s employees were sentenced August 7, 2014 for one count of conspiracy to maintain drug involved premises and distribution of controlled substances:

• Elias “E.J.” White, 53, of Lafayette, was sentenced to 54 months of probation;
• Heike Slattery, 42, of Carencro, was sentenced to two years of probation;
• Crystal Sampy, 32, of Lafayette, was sentenced to three years of probation and a $1,000 fine.
• Lydia “Unique” Gauthreaux, 32, of Crowley, was sentenced to three years of probation and a $1,000 fine.

In total, 10 defendants were convicted of felony racketeering and drug charges, approximately $1.2 million in assets and proceeds were seized and forfeited, and Desperado’s has been closed since December 5, 2012, and will remain so indefinitely.  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and Lafayette Metro Narcotics investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Myers Namie and Daniel McCoy prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United StatesAttorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced on Wednesday to 60 months in prison for failing to update his sex offender registration.
                                       
Michael Thomas Cupp, 60, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, for one count of failure to update his sex offender registration.  He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release.  According to evidence presented at the July 28 2014 guilty plea, starting in April 2009, Cupp listed his sex offender registration as being in Texas.  However, upon investigation, it was determined that Cupp had never lived in Texas.  Cupp was originally convicted of forcible rape, incest, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile in state district court in Baton Rouge in 1992.  After completion of his prison sentence, he began living in Shreveport in 1998.  Cupp then registered his address in Panola County (Texas) with the Sheriff’s Office in April of 2009, but after a compliance check of sex offenders in 2012, he was found to have been living and working continuously in Shreveport.

The U.S. Marshal’s Service, Panola County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Many resident pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in Sabine Parish.
           
Cassius L. Medlock, 32, of Many, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. 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.

Medlock faces five to 40 years in prison, four to five years of supervised release and a $5 million fine.  A sentencing date of March 5, 2015 was set.

The DEA and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg is prosecuting the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. –U.S. AttorneyStephanie A. Finley announced today that a Lafayette stockbroker and financial consultant pleaded guilty to not reporting more than $350,000 of income on his tax return.

Donald Domingues, 56, of Lafayette, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Richard Haik for one count of making a false tax return. According to the guilty plea, Domingues, who is a financial consultant and stockbroker in Lafayette, was paid a $351,000 commission in 2007 to help negotiate the sale of Powerhouse Inc., a Louisiana natural gas equipment supply service company.  However, rather than take possession of the check in his own name, Domingues had Powerhouse make the check payable to Ray Chevrolet, a car dealership in which he maintained an ownership interest.  The day after depositing the check into the dealership’s bank account, he caused the issuance of a check to himself for the same amount. When Domingues filed his U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040 for calendar year 2007, he intentionally left out the $351,000 sales commission. The intended tax loss as a result of this transaction was calculated to be $121,050.75.

Domingues faces up to three years in prison, one year supervised release, a $100,000 fine and any applicable restitution. A sentencing date was not set.

The IRS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard C. Parker and David C. Joseph are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that the U. S. Attorney’s Office will honor the men and women of the Western District of Louisiana and their family members who have served in the United States Armed Forces with a video presentation.

            The presentation features employees from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Shreveport and Lafayette, Federal Courthouse employees in Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Lake Charles and Monroe, and family members.  The video will be available for public viewing from November 10th to November 14th in the lobby of the United States Federal Courthouses in Shreveport and Lafayette.

“This video presentation is just a small way that we can honor our veterans,” Finley stated.  “As a member of the United States Air Force, I am very aware of how lucky we are to have these veterans in our communities and how important it is for us to recognize their service.  We owe a debt of gratitude to all of the men and women who serve and give their lives to safeguard our freedoms.”

Western District of Louisiana employees being honored for their service are:

United States Army – Aaron Broussard, Mike Campbell, U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, Robert Gillespie, David Joseph, Vincent Mangum, Joseph Mickel, Howard Parker, Edward Prokopf, Victor Sheppard, U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg, Fifth Circuit Judge Carl Stewart, Christ Turner, and U.S. District Judge Donald Walter.

United States Navy – Joseph Jarzabek, Daniel McCoy, and Ryan Turner.

United States Coast Guard – Dennis K. Austin and U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna.

United States Marin Corps – Angelo Iorio.

United Stated Air Force – Mitzie Cochrane, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley, Samuel Glass, Michael O’Mara, Ryan Peck, Walter Sittig, U.S. District Judge James T. Trimble, Jr., and U.S. Marshal Henry L. Whitehorn, Sr.

Immediate family members of the personnel in the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. District Court System being honored for their service are:

United States Army – Gerald Champagne, Steven L. Dupont, Doyce Ray Hebert, Eric Iorio, Shelton Julian, Joseph LeJeune, David A. McBride, and Michael E. Schaff.

United States Navy – Kyle Alwert, David Cochrane, and Leon Gordon Jones.

United States Air Force – John T. Julian and Alan Williams.

United States Marine Corps – Stephen Box

Of those listed above, three have received Purple Hearts and other medals for their actions during various wars.  Shelton Julian, the grandfather of Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen King, served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was assigned to the 92nd Infantry, Buffalo Division. During his service, he received the Purple Heart and one Oak Leaf Cluster.  United States District Court Judge Tom Stagg served in the U.S. Army during WWII in Europe from 1944-1946.  During his service, he received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, and two Purple Hearts.  Steven Dupont, son of FDA Investigator Charles Dupont, served in the United States Army from 2008 until 2010 and was stationed at Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany.  He was assigned to Ghostrider Company as a Forward Observer during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  Dupont was killed in action on October 24, 2010, in Rangrizan, Afghanistan.  Specialist Dupont was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge, posthumously.  While on active duty, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

The Purple Heart is given to military members who are wounded or killed in action. The Bronze Star of Valor is awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit or meritorious service in a combat zone and is the fourth-highest combat decoration awarded to military members. The Oak Leaf Cluster denotes subsequent decorations and awards.

The U.S. Federal Courthouse in Shreveport is located at 300 Fannin Street, and U.S. Federal Courthouse in Lafayette is located at 800 Lafayette Street.  For more information, call 337-262-6618.

In addition, in recognition of Veteran’s Day, United States Attorney Finley and staff members also visited Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Shreveport on November 7, 2014.  Overton Brooks hosted a series of events that included a visit by the United States Marine Corps, a burger burn by Eighth Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, a visit from the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks basketball team, and a dedication of three memorial benches from Hillcrest Funeral Home and Centuries Memorial Funeral Home.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also attended an event hosted by the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette on Sunday, November 9, 2014, which featured WWII veteran Paul Hilliard.  The local museum partnered with the National WWII Museum to present a discussion about WWII events.  Mr. Hilliard shared stories of his WWII experience; the museum currently has on exhibit photographs from World War II.  To learn more, visit www.hilliardmuseum.org or call (337) 482-2278.

SHREVEPORT, La. –United StatesAttorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a former staff member at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for mail fraud in connection with a bribery scheme involving a laboratory supply company owner.

Anthony Roggero, 69, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for one count of mail fraud. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $200,000 to LSUHSC payable jointly and severally with his co-conspirators.  According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearings, Roggero, who was the LSUHSC’s Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) laboratory assistant director and had purchasing authority to buy up to $5,000 for reagents and supplies.  LSUHSC’s HLA laboratory played a critical support role for solid organ and bone marrow transplants, performing cross matching and tissue typing analyses.  Unknown to LSUHSC, Roggero conspired with Sangre Biologicals owner, Rita M. Myler, to buy products from her company from at least June 2001 to July 2008.  Sangre Biologicals received more than $540,000 from LSUHSC during the course of the scheme.  In return for doing business with Sangre Biologicals, Myler mailed cash kickbacks, of which Roggero deposited approximately $117,000 in cash to his account at a credit union.

Myler, Roggero’s co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud on October 7, 2014.  A sentencing date of January 26, 2015 was set.

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