Western District of Louisiana

MOTHER, DAUGHTER SENTENCED FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT BANK ROBBERIES

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Evie Bowin Herrin, 58, of Kirbyville, Texas, and her daughter Amelia Darci Crew, 31, of Cleveland, Texas, were sentenced on October 3, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi for conspiracy to commit bank robbery.  Herrin received 86 months in prison, and Crew received 51 months in prison.  They both received three years of supervised release.  Herrin was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $17,730 restitution.  They pleaded guilty June 27, 2013.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the defendants admitted to stealing $17,730 from banks in Louisiana and Texas.  Herrin admitted to entering three banks wearing a disguise.  After entering the banks, Herrin would point what looked like a handgun at a teller and present the teller with a note saying to hand over strapped bundles of 100 and 20 dollar bills or she would shoot the bank employees.  Herrin left each bank in a car driven by Crew.  The robberies occurred on February 13, 2012 at an Iberia Bank in Kinder, La., February 28, 2012 at a Citizens National Bank in Henderson, Texas, and March 15, 2012 at a MidSouth Bank in Sulphur, La.

The FBI, and the Kinder, Sulphur and Henderson, Texas police departments investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.

FORT POLK MAN SENTENCED FOR ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT WITH A MINOR

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Antwon M. Sewell, 20, of Fort Polk, La., was sentenced on October 3, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to 15 months in prison with five years of supervised release for committing abusive sexual contact with two minors.  Sewell pleaded guilty June 13, 2013.

 According to evidence presented in court, Sewell was at a party taking place at an unoccupied residence on the Fort Polk Military base on July 18, 2012.  While at the party, he had sexual contact with a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old girl at different times that night.  He admitted to providing alcohol to the minors attending the party.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY, FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER

SHREVEPORT, La. – Carlos Galvan-Lopez, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced on October 3, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Maurice Hicks Jr. to 50 months in prison for illegally re-entering the United States and failing to register as a sex offender.  The defendant is subject to deportation upon release.  He pleaded guilty on June 3, 2013.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the Hidalgo, Texas, Sheriff’s Office arrested Galvan-Lopez on December 18, 1995 for aggravated sexual assault.  He served time in prison and was deported on December 21, 2010.  He was arrested in Shreveport at his place of employment on April 19, 2013, after it was discovered that he had illegally returned to the United States and had not registered as a sex offender.

Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

FORMER MONROE RESIDENT SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR STEALING MORE THAN $100,000 FROM CREDIT CARD COMPANY

MONROE, La. – Durar Mohammed Judeh, 48, of Tupelo, Miss., was sentenced on October 7, 2013 by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James, to 15 months in prison and five years of supervised release for bank fraud.  He was also ordered to pay $101,280 in restitution.  He pleaded guilty May 29, 2013.

In April 2008, Chase Bankcard Services alerted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that nine credit cards listed for addresses in Monroe had been opened fraudulently.  Judeh admitted to using a relative’s personal information to open the accounts and deposited money into an account he controlled, using the cards to steal more than $101,280.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

MOREHOUSE PARISH WOMAN SENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR STEALING FROM BANK CUSTOMERS

MONROE, La. – Vickie Lenoir, 48, of Mer Rouge, La., was sentenced on October 7, 2013, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James to 12 months in prison and five years of supervised release for embezzling money from customers at the Capital One bank where she worked.  She was also ordered to pay $95,673 in restitution.  Lenoir pleaded guilty May 14, 2013.

According to evidence presented in court, from December 2008 until October 2012, Lenoir admitted to embezzling more than $95,673 from seven customer accounts at a Bastrop, La., Capital One Bank where she was employed.  The missing money was reported after customers began noticing unusual activity in their accounts.

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

FORT POLK MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SECOND DEGREE MURDER, ATTEMPTED MURDER

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Marcus Patterson Carey, 28, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced on October 8, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 30 years in prison for second degree murder and 20 years in prison for attempted second degree murder with both sentences to be served concurrently.  He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release.  Carey pleaded guilty on June 12, 2013.

Carey admitted that on June 19, 2010, he killed a Fort Polk soldier by striking him with a hammer and stabbing him multiple times.  He also admitted to attempting to kill a former soldier by striking that person with a hammer and stabbing that person multiple times as well.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation.  United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

JURY CONVICTS OPELOUSAS MAN FOR POSSESSING AND RECEIVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Defendant was a former child psychiatrist

LAFAYETTE, La. – A federal jury found former child psychiatrist Gary Jefferson Byrd, 71, of Opelousas, La., guilty on October 8, 2013 of possessing and receiving child pornography.  United States District Judge Richard T. Haik presided over the trial.

Following a two-day trial, a jury found Byrd guilty of one count of possession of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography after deliberating for 40 minutes.  Based on witness testimony and documents admitted into evidence, from February 2008 to April 2011, Byrd ordered 44 compact discs containing videos of child pornography from a Canadian company.  United States Postal Inspectors executed a search warrant on Byrd’s home and found stacks of compact discs containing thousands of images of child pornography that Byrd had downloaded from the Internet.  He also printed hundreds of images of child pornography that he kept in files next to his bed.

Byrd was previously convicted in 1992 by a federal jury of possessing child pornography and served 10 years in prison for that crime.  Prior to his conviction, his employment was as a child psychiatrist.

Because of Byrd’s prior child pornography conviction, he faces 5 years to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of child pornography, and he also faces 15 years to 40 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for receiving child pornography.  A sentencing date has not been 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.

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

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the defendants admitted to stealing $17,730 from banks in Louisiana and Texas.  Herrin admitted to entering three banks wearing a disguise.  After entering the banks, Herrin would point what looked like a handgun at a teller and present the teller with a note saying to hand over strapped bundles of 100 and 20 dollar bills or she would shoot the bank employees.  Herrin left each bank in a car driven by Crew.  The robberies occurred on February 13, 2012 at an Iberia Bank in Kinder, La., February 28, 2012 at a Citizens National Bank in Henderson, Texas, and March 15, 2012 at a MidSouth Bank in Sulphur, La.

The FBI and the Kinder, Sulphur and Henderson, Texas police departments investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.

According to evidence presented in court, from December 2008 until October 2012, Lenoir admitted to embezzling more than $95,673 from seven customer accounts at a Bastrop, La., Capital One Bank where she was employed.  The missing money was reported after customers began noticing unusual activity in their accounts.

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

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Carlos Galvan-Lopez, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced on October 3, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Maurice Hicks, Jr., to 50 months in prison for illegally re-entering the United States and failing to register as a sex offender.  The defendant is subject to deportation upon release.  He pleaded guilty on June 3, 2013.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the Hidalgo, Texas, Sheriff’s Office arrested Galvan-Lopez on December 18, 1995 for aggravated sexual assault.  He served time in prison and was deported on December 21, 2010.  He was arrested in Shreveport at his place of employment on April 19, 2013, after it was discovered that he had illegally returned to the United States and had not registered as a sex offender.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found former child psychiatrist Gary Jefferson Byrd, 71, of Opelousas, La., guilty on October 8, 2013 of possessing and receiving child pornography.  United States District Judge Richard T. Haik presided over the trial.

Following a two-day trial, a jury found Byrd guilty of one count of possession of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography after deliberating for 40 minutes.  Based on witness testimony and documents admitted into evidence, from February 2008 to April 2011, Byrd ordered 44 compact discs containing videos of child pornography from a Canadian company.  United States Postal Inspectors executed a search warrant on Byrd’s home and found stacks of compact discs containing thousands of images of child pornography that Byrd had downloaded from the Internet.  He also printed hundreds of images of child pornography that he kept in files next to his bed.

Byrd was previously convicted in 1992 by a federal jury of possessing child pornography and served 10 years in prison for that crime.  Prior to his conviction, his employment was as a child psychiatrist.

Because of Byrd’s prior child pornography conviction, he faces 5 years to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of child pornography, and he also faces 15 years to 40 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for receiving child pornography.  A sentencing date has not been 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.

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Antwon M. Sewell, 20, of Fort Polk, La., was sentenced on October 3, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 15 months in prison with five years of supervised release for committing abusive sexual contact with two minors.  Sewell pleaded guilty June 13, 2013.

According to evidence presented in court, Sewell was at a party taking place at an unoccupied residence on the Fort Polk Military base on July 18, 2012.  While at the party, he had sexual contact with a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old girl at different times that night.  He admitted to providing alcohol to the minors attending the party.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Marcus Patterson Carey, 28, of Canton, Ohio, was sentenced on October 8, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 30 years in prison for second degree murder and 20 years in prison for attempted second degree murder with both sentences to be served concurrently.  He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release.  Carey pleaded guilty on June 12, 2013.

Carey admitted that on June 19, 2010, he killed a Fort Polk soldier by striking him with a hammer and stabbing him multiple times.  He also admitted to attempting to kill a former soldier by striking that person with a hammer and stabbing that person multiple times as well.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation.  United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Durar Mohammed Judeh, 48, of Tupelo, Miss., was sentenced on October 7, 2013 by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James, to 15 months in prison and five years of supervised release for bank fraud.  He was also ordered to pay $101,280 in restitution.  He pleaded guilty May 29, 2013.

In April 2008, Chase Bankcard Services alerted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that nine credit cards listed for addresses in Monroe had been opened fraudulently.  Judeh admitted to using a relative’s personal information to open the accounts and deposited money into an account he controlled, using the cards to steal more than $101,280.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE/SHREVEPORT/MONROE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that operations of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, all divisions - Lafayette, Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles continue to suffer from the effects of the partial shutdown that started at midnight on October 1, 2013.

The office as a whole is operating with 54 percent of its original staff. Most civil litigation has stopped.  Because of the partial shutdown, the majority of the office’s staff working on civil litigation continues to be furloughed.  The few remaining employees in the Civil Division have been left to monitor hundreds of civil matters to ensure the interests of the United States are protected.  Administrative and criminal support staff have also been furloughed, but criminal litigation is ongoing, as these activities are deemed essential to the safety of human life and the protection of property.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work with federal, state and local law enforcement on criminal matters.

Because of the effects of the appropriations lapse on activities of the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has not been able to readily respond to media inquiries.  Press releases are being limited to urgent matters involving public safety.  The office’s website is not being actively updated during the shutdown.  The district will continue to receive communications from the public via mail, email and/or telephone.  For additional information concerning the effects of the appropriations lapse and partial shutdown, visit www.justice.gov/jmd/publications/doj-contingency-plan.pdf or www.justice.gov/usao/law.

LAFAYETTE/SHREVEPORT/MONROE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that operations of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, all divisions - Lafayette, Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles are being affected by the partial shutdown in effect since midnight, October 1, 2013.

Most criminal litigation and related work will continue with limited interruption, as these activities are deemed essential to the safety of human life and the protection of property.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement on criminal matters.  However, because of the appropriation lapse and partial shutdown, much of the office’s staff working on civil litigation is being furloughed.  Administrative and criminal support staff are also being furloughed.  All civil litigation in which the office is involved will be curtailed or postponed to the extent possible without compromising public safety or the protection of property, and always subject to the direction of the federal courts.

Because of the effects of the appropriations lapse on activities of the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not be able to readily respond to media inquiries.  Press releases will be limited to urgent matters involving public safety.  The office’s website will not be actively updated during the shutdown.  The district will continue to receive communications from the public via mail, email and/or telephone.  For additional information concerning the effects of the appropriations lapse and partial shutdown, visit www.justice.gov/jmd/publications/doj-contingency-plan.pdf or www.justice.gov/usao/law.  

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Carol A. Thrasher, 60, of Lake Charles, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to wire fraud.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Thrasher admitted that from January 2007 to April 2012, while working as a manager for a Westlake, La., company, she stole $551,357.  She had access to her company’s Midsouth Bank account and used funds from it to pay the balance of a personal Capital One credit card numerous times over the five-year period. The credit card payments Thrasher made ranged from a few hundred dollars to more than $8,000. She reportedly used the Capital One card to pay for the majority of her living expenses, and she also stated that she spent the money on gambling, shopping, dining and vacations.

Thrasher faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution for the wire fraud count.  A sentencing date was not set.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie is prosecuting the case.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today announced that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Housing Authority for the City of Ruston, La., has engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against African-American tenants, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. The Ruston Housing Authority is a public housing authority that provides housing for persons of low income in Ruston. Currently, the Ruston Housing Authority owns and maintains five housing complexes in Ruston.

The complaint alleges that the Ruston Housing Authority maintained a racially segregated housing authority by steering and assigning applicants to its five complexes based on race, rather than in order of their placement on the Ruston Housing Authority’s waiting list. The complaint also alleges that the Ruston Housing Authority’s discriminatory assignment practices have harmed dozens of applicants and tenants who were assigned to segregated housing or delayed housing because of their race.

“Access to housing free from racial discrimination is everyone’s right, including those who seek public housing assistance,” said Jocelyn Samuels, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The department will continue its vigorous enforcement of the Fair Housing Act.”

“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to addressing unlawful discriminatory practices and enforcing anti-discrimination laws,” said Stephanie A. Finley, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. “Today’s filing is an example of our continuing efforts to end discrimination.”

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Maurice T. Smith, 32, and Chavo T. Thomas, 30, both of Ferriday, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. Smith received lifetime in prison, and Thomas received 275 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.  A jury found the defendants guilty May 31, 2013.

According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, the defendants were found to have conspired to deliver methamphetamine from California to Ferriday.  Smith organized the trip, and Thomas traveled to California to purchase and bring back the illegal drugs. Thomas was arrested on Oct. 28, 2011, at a Brookhaven, Miss., train station with two pounds of pure methamphetamine. Smith was arrested later in Ferriday.

“We commend the work of the law enforcement agencies who investigated this case,” Finley stated.  “They were able to stop this shipment of illegal drugs before it could be sold in the Western District of Louisiana.  I also want to thank the prosecutors who tried this case.  My office will continue to prosecute these types of cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This investigation clearly demonstrates the growing strength of the Central Louisiana OCDETF partnership and its significant impact on the methamphetamine threat to our communities,” stated Michael J. Anderson, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge, New Orleans Division.

Smith and Thomas were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “Delta Blues” investigation.  The FBI-Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Alexandria Police Department, participated in the investigation. The U.S. Marshals and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office also participated in the investigation. The Southwest Mississippi Narcotics Task Force, Brookhaven (Mississippi) Police Department and the Lincoln County (Mississippi) Sheriff’s Office assisted in the defendants’ arrest.

The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Eric Britton, 19, of Fort Polk, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to sexually abusing a minor.

According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Britton admitted that on July 20, 2012, he engaged in sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female at an unoccupied residence on the Fort Polk military base.

As a result of his guilty plea, Britton faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing has been set for January 9, 2014.

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Thomas was employed as the Opelousas Housing Authority grant and capital funds coordinator from 2005 to 2009. From 2007 to 2009, Thomas admitted that she conspired with other unnamed conspirators to send and receive fake bids by email in order to circumvent state and federal bid laws. They used the fake bids to make it appear that several companies were placing bids on construction projects, but in fact, there was one company being considered. Thomas, assisted by others, accomplished this by using letterhead and other information to create fake bid documents from other companies who were not placing bids on the contracts. These fake bids were then filed so records showed that more than one company had bid on the projects.

Thomas faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  A sentencing date of January 10, 2014 was set.

The FBI and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger is prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today thatformer Monroe City Council members Arthur Gilmore Jr., 55, and Robert E. “Red” Stevens, 61, both of Monroe, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter.  Gilmore received 24 months in prison and 3 years supervised release, and Stevens received 20 months in prison and three years supervised release for accepting cash bribe payments from an FBI cooperating witness in exchange for help with matters pending before the City Council.

After a four-day trial, a federal jury found Gilmore guilty on May 16, 2013 of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, more commonly known as RICO.  Stevens pleaded guilty on May 2, 2013 to violating the RICO Act. According to evidence in court filings, in 2008 and 2009 the defendants accepted cash bribe payments from a Monroe businessman who was working as a cooperating witness under the direction of the FBI.  The payments were in exchange for their assistance with matters pending before the City Council.

“This has been a long process but in the end, after two trials, the jury and the judge heard the evidence and justice prevailed,” Finley stated.  “These defendants abused their positions as public officials, and by selling their votes, violated the law and betrayed the community they were elected to represent.”

The FBI-Monroe Resident Agency and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case.  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook and Counsel to the U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Willie Jamal Reynolds, 33, of Opelousas, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill to taking part in the robbery at the U.S. Post Office in Lawtell, La., where a driver was attacked.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, two individuals robbed a U.S. Postal Service highway contract route driver on Aug. 13, 2011, while the driver was with his truck at the loading dock of the post office in Lawtell. One of the individuals grabbed the driver from behind by the neck and wrestled him to his knees. The other individual demanded money, but the driver said there was none, just mail. The driver noticed the individual who spoke had a gun and took a registry bag. They eventually left, and the driver was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for injuries. Several witnesses reported seeing a white van in the area, and a surveillance camera at a business located next door to the post office shows a white van drop off two individuals at the time of the robbery. Reynolds admits he used his mother’s white van to pick up the two assailants and transport them to and from the post office.

Reynolds faces up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for aggravated robbery of mail matter. Sentencing was set for Feb. 14, 2014.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett L. Grayson is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Raja Khalid Jamaleddin, 33, of Alexandria, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing more than $8,600 worth of counterfeit dollar bills. He was also ordered to pay an $8,000 fine. Jamaleddin pleaded guilty June 18, 2013.
           
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities received information that Jamaleddin was keeping illegal items at a storage unit. Authorities searched a storage unit on October 5, 2012 that Jamaleddin was renting in Alexandria and found $8,648 worth of counterfeit $1,000s, $50s, $20s and $2s in addition to other illegal items. The serial number on one of the counterfeit $1,000 bills matched a bill Jamaleddin pawned in 2011.

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

Waller’s trial started Monday and ended Tuesday afternoon with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for more than two hours.  Based on witness testimony and documents admitted into evidence, it was established that on March 28, 2010 at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., Waller could be seen on video in a prison common area stabbing a fellow inmate repeatedly with a makeshift knife.  The assaulted inmate received puncture wounds to the upper body and was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment.  Waller testified at trial.  He said that he acted in self-defense, and that he was justified in committing the assault. Waller is serving a 320-month sentence on narcotics and weapons charges.

Waller faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause bodily harm.  Sentencing has been set for December 19, 2013.

The FBI and U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on April 3, 2013, two prison guards found Thomas along with two other inmates drinking a homemade alcoholic beverage in a cell at the U.S. Penitentiary at Pollock, La. One guard led Thomas and the other two inmates out of the cell, but Thomas returned later and began beating the guard who remained in the cell using a padlock tied to a belt. When another guard approached Thomas, he attacked that guard as well. Thomas was subdued after guards used pepper spray on him. The officer Thomas initially attacked was brought to a nearby hospital where he was treated for four days in an intensive care unit. When the attack occurred, Thomas was serving a 161-month combined sentence for one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and another count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

 The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation.  Senior Litigation Counsel Joseph G. Jarzabek prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Buddy Estelle, 52, of New Iberia, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to taking more than $86,000 in Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits to which he was not entitled.

 According to evidence presented at the 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. The SSA payments that Estelle improperly received totaled $86,261.30.

 Estelle faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for theft of government funds.  A sentencing date of January, 10, 2014 was set.

 The Social Security Administration and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus is prosecuting the case.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Robert Scogin and Peggy Scogin admitted to importing codeine and dihydrocodeine aboard a cruise ship returning to the United States. United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) determined that the co-defendants purchased approximately 9,000 pills of Schedule II, III and IV narcotics in Belize. Upon reentering the United States, they intended to use the drugs for personal use as well as to sell them to others.  Their plan was discovered when some of the pills were found in a locker used by Robert Scogin at his job. After being interviewed by law enforcement, the couple confessed and told investigators that they were able to get the pills on the ship by wrapping them in dirty clothes and hiding them in their luggage to avoid detection.

 “Smuggling drugs into the United States is a serious crime,” Finley stated.  “Selling prescription drugs without knowing what they really are and without knowing how they will affect the person buying them in an illegal market is extremely dangerous. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect public safety by prosecuting those who illegally import and sell prescription drugs.”

 "Homeland Security Investigations special agents in Shreveport along with the Shreveport Police Department Narcotics Unit worked long hours to dismantle this smuggling operation, recover dangerous foreign manufactured narcotics, and bring this investigation to a conclusion,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Raymond R. Parmer Jr. “Stopping the flow of illegal drugs is a priority for HSI, and we will continue to focus resources on this important effort.”

The defendants face up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release.  A sentencing date of January 16, 2014 was set.

 United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, between November 9, 2010 and December 21, 2011, Sommers made unauthorized and fraudulent use of access devices, which included credit cards for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in Oakdale, La. Sommers worked as a manager for Ralph’s Electronics, an electrical supply company in Alexandria. As part of his scheme, Sommers set up a separate account under his control, but bearing the name of his employer. He then made fraudulent charges on a number of unauthorized access devices. It appeared that his employer was making the purchases when in fact the purchases were Sommers’. Sommers illegally purchased $90,650 worth of merchandise.

The Federal Reserve defines an access device as a card, code or other means of access to a consumer’s account or a combination of these used by the consumer to initiate Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT). Access devices include debit cards, personal identification numbers (PINs), telephone transfer and telephone bill payment codes, and other means to initiate EFT or to form a consumer account.

Sommers faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. A sentencing date of December 12, 2013 was set.

The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Michael Phillip Telemaque, 47, of the United Kingdom, was found guilty by a federal jury on four counts of impeding or hampering his deportation.  U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi presided over the trial.

Telemaque’s trial started Monday and ended Tuesday morning with the jury returning a guilty verdict after deliberating for 30 minutes.  Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that Telemaque refused to fill out passport applications for his deportation to the United Kingdom four times between November 2010 and September 2011.  In addition to the application requirement, the United Kingdom also requires that Telemaque must speak to a representative of the consulate, provide fingerprints and a photo, and show proof that he is a United Kingdom citizen.  He refused to perform any of these tasks and failed to provide an explanation to his refusal.  Telemaque was found guilty in January 1997 for selling crack cocaine and received a 180-month prison sentence.  He was ordered to be removed from the United States in June of 2010.

Telemaque faces up to four years in prison per count, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for resisting deportation.  Sentencing is set for December 6, 2013.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth are prosecuting the case.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, in May of 2012 Apple Inc. investigators informed U.S. Homeland Security investigators that Iphonelafayette.com, which LeBlanc owns andlocated on Kaliste Saloom Road in Lafayette, was selling counterfeit iPhone merchandise. Apple investigators told authorities that the Lafayette company’s website had several pictures containing counterfeit items.

On May 9, 2012, HSI agents along with a private investigator working for Apple entered the Kaliste Saloom store.  The private investigator was an industry representative who specialized in trademark and copyright infringement investigations. The investigator purchased several covers displaying the brand insignia for Louis Vuitton, Coach, Otter Box and Apple for $100; the cases purchased were counterfeit. Additionally, on January 15, 2013, an undercover Louisiana State Police trooper purchased an Apple iPhone sleeve and Luis Vuitton case from the store, which were also determined to be counterfeit.  The undercover trooper spoke with Leblanc who advised that additional similar counterfeit cases would be delivered the next week.

On January 25, 2013, HSI searched the business and discovered numerous counterfeit items, including 31 Louis Vuitton iPhone cases, 8 Coach iPhone cases, 241 Otter Box iPhone cases and 427 Apple iPhone cases.  LeBlanc admitted that all of the cases were counterfeit.

LeBlanc faces up to 10 years in prison, a $2 million fine and three years of supervised release for trafficking in counterfeit goods or services.  A sentencing date was not set.

Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and Apple Inc. conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie is prosecuting the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Christopher Wallace, 25, of Bastrop, La., pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill to attempting to receive child pornography.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on January 31, 2011 Wallace began chatting online with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl.  He  asked the girl to perform sexual acts, and Wallace performed sex acts himself on a web camera.  Wallace also asked the girl, who was actually a police officer, to perform sex acts on a web camera.

Wallace faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.  A sentencing date of January 10, 2014 was set.  Homeland Security Investigations and the Lafayette Police Department 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.

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 reported anonymously. 

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Valerie Benjamin, 49, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) out of more than $24,000 dollars in false hurricane damage claims. She was ordered to pay $24,960 in restitution to FEMA for the losses incurred under the scheme. Valerie Benjamin pleaded guilty April 16, 2013.

According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Valerie Benjamin conspired with Jacqueline Benjamin and Pamela Alexander, also of New Iberia, to steal money from FEMA.  Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and Gustav and Ike in 2008, Valerie Benjamin submitted applications to FEMA seeking disaster assistance and emergency housing assistance, claiming she was required to evacuate her residence because of storm damage.  The investigation revealed that she never moved from her home, and it only sustained minor storm damage.  To facilitate the scheme Valerie Benjamin provided personal information such as her address, Social Security Number, date of birth and phone number to Pamela Alexander and Jacqueline Benjamin who filed fictitious landlord statements, rental agreements, rent receipts and other documents to make it appear that Valerie Benjamin legitimately qualified for the assistance. 

Pamela Alexander pleaded guilty December 18, 2012 and on May 13, 2013 was sentenced to serve 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Alexander was also ordered to pay $15,280 in restitution. Jacqueline Benjamin pleaded guilty March 14, 2013 and was sentenced June 12, 2013 to serve three years of probation. She was also ordered to pay restitution.

“The defendants in this case took advantage of a program designed to help those in need and provide money to victims of natural disasters,” Finley stated. “Their actions put an unnecessary financial burden on an agency tasked with the huge responsibility of responding to the aftermath of hurricanes. This office and our judicial partners will continue to prosecute these types of cases to make sure that the money is not diverted to frauds like these defendants.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Herbert S. “Steve” Fouke, 54, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to conspiracy to commit securities fraud, investment adviser fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud, involving an investment scheme that cost clients $8 million.

According to documents filed at the guilty plea, Fouke became a client of Lafayette resident Richard Buswell in 2006. Buswell worked as a licensed stockbroker from 2006 until 2009 for Bowman Investment Group LLC, which was also Buswell’s company.

Fouke admitted to recruiting friends and business associates to become clients of Buswell and the Bowman Investment Group. Fouke also admitted to being present at meetings between Buswell and his clients, during which Buswell made false statements to the clients about his credentials, the commissions he would charge, and the rates of return that he guaranteed the clients would receive. Buswell admitted in a guilty plea July 24, 2013 to engaging in frequent and excessive stock trades in order to earn commissions.

Fouke faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution for the conspiracy count.  Buswell faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution for a wire fraud count. Sentencing dates have not been set.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and Howard C. Parker are prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Regan Chase Benoit, 25, of Jennings, La., pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to importation and possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, on May 24, 2012 U.S. Postal workers inspected a package from China and discovered that it contained one kilogram of anabolic steroid powder.  The address on the package was for a Jennings residence.  On May 30, 2013, authorities observed a woman picking up the parcel from the post office in Jennings.  After detaining the woman, she told authorities the package was for Benoit. Benoit was questioned by police and admitted to importing steroid tablets and powder from China. He admitted that after receiving the drugs, he liquefied them and placed them in vials for distribution.

Benoit faces up to 10 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and two years of supervised release for both counts.  Sentencing has been set for December 5, 2013.

Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Jennings Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett L. Grayson is prosecuting the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Tylerton James Clement, 20, of Crowley, La., was sentenced to 84 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik for making a video of minors having sex and transporting the file.  He is also required to register as a sex offender.

According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, two other males, under the age of 18, picked up two 13-year-old females on April 3, 2011 and gave them drugs. The males then took the girls to a hotel in Crowley where they engaged in sex acts while the girls were under the effects of the drugs.  Clement arrived at the hotel some time later and made a video of the sexual acts with his phone.  He admitted to being 18 years old at the time that the video was made and admitted to transporting the video to Texas.  Clement pleaded guilty on January 7, 2013.

“This defendant engaged in despicable behavior and abused two minors,” Finley said.  “At the time of this incident, Clement was 18, old enough to know that he shouldn’t use his cellphone to video sex acts with children.  This sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking about taking advantage of or sexually exploiting children.  My office along with our federal, state and local partners will continue to investigate and prosecute these cases; we are going to do everything that we can to protect the children of this District”

“Recording the rape of drugged children is an abhorrent crime, demonstrating a complete lack of conscience or empathy by the defendant,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New Orleans. “HSI and our law enforcement partners are engaged in a full court press across the United States and around the world to stop the sexual exploitation of children. This defendant will have many years to spend in prison thinking about his crime and the pain he so selfishly caused others.”

“I applaud the efforts of the entire investigative and prosecutive team for bringing swift justice to this individual who engaged in such outrageous exploitative conduct of children,” said Mike Anderson, FBI Special Agent In Charge, New Orleans Division.

The U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, FBI, U.S. Postal Service, Louisiana State Police and Crowley Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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.

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

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Marco Tulio Sanabria-Caceres, 25, of Honduras, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to eight months in prison for reentering the United States after being deported.
                                                                                               
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on Sept. 18, 2012, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle containing five individuals. They all admitted to being in the United States illegally.  Sanabria-Caceres admitted to being from Honduras. After further investigation, it was learned that Sanabria-Caceres was convicted on Feb. 10, 2012 in Leesburg, Va., on two counts of a Class IV felony, which was carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He was sentenced to serve two years with part of the sentence suspended for the two counts and was deported June 1, 2012. Sanabria-Caceres admitted to reentering the United States without permission and pleaded guilty to the charge May 29, 2013.
           
Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley gave opening remarks this morning to law enforcement officers and prosecutors from across the state who traveled to Lafayette to attend the “Hitting the Mark: Louisiana” course being held at the Clifton Chenier Center.   

The National District Attorneys’ Association (NDAA) is presenting the course, which is also being co-hosted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Western, Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana, the Lafayette Police Department, and the Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC).  The Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance, which is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, supported the event with a grant.

The course, which takes place today and Wednesday, brings trainers from Utah, Virginia, Georgia and Washington, D.C., to instruct those engaged in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal street gangs, violent felons and firearms perpetrators.  Subjects covered at the training include: gangs and guns, drugs and guns, a presentation on a “Prima Facie” gun case, federal firearms prosecution of domestic violence offenders, search and seizure, and characteristics of armed criminals.

“This course gives personnel from attorneys and law enforcement offices on a federal, state and local level the opportunity to sharpen their investigative and prosecutorial skills,” Finley said. “The information provided at this course will give those attending the tools to better bring criminals to justice.  I am proud that the Western District was the site for this event.  I also want to thank the U.S. Attorneys from the Middle and Eastern District of Louisiana, Walt Green and Dana Boente, the National District Attorneys Association, the Lafayette Police Department, and the Regional Organized Crime Information Center for co-hosting the event with the Western District.”

“Our overall goal is to increase knowledge of gang activity and help improve the response of law enforcement and prosecutors to gun violence cases,” said Brent Berkley, director of National Center for Community Prosecution for the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA).  “We worked closely with Louisiana’s U.S. Attorneys to figure out which courses would address the crime problems they face.”

Space is still available for lawyers, investigators, and paralegals in local, state, federal and military government attorneys’ offices, and law enforcement officers in local, state, and federal military offices who may wish to attend.  There is no fee for registration.  Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are available for those attending the course. 

For more information or if you would like to register online, visit the NDAA at www.ndaa.org, call their office at 703-549-9222, or the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, at 337-262-6618.

According to evidence presented in the 19-count superceding indictment filed on September 19, 2012, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering beginning in 1996 through November 2010. The defendants’ scheme revolved around the sale and financing of used and new vehicles to individuals who derived, or represented that they derived, significant income from the distribution of illegal drugs. The defendants knowingly accepted cash proceeds from drug dealers, allowed vehicle purchases in the names of nominees, and falsified records of payments received. The defendants provided false information to law enforcement agencies, including the Shreveport Police Department and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, to facilitate the release of vehicles seized from drug dealers.

In 2009 and 2010, the FBI conducted multiple “sting” operations directing cooperating individuals to purchase vehicles in the names of nominees and using large cash payments towards the purchase of those vehicles.  These operations proved that the defendants readily accepted large amounts of money thought to be drug proceeds and skimmed cash from down payments by manipulating records to show lower sales prices and reduced amounts of down payments.

The indictment also charges several violations of The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which requires that businesses, including motor vehicle dealerships, take a number of precautions against financial crimes.  One such precaution is filing and reporting certain data indicative of money laundering, including cash transactions over $10,000 on a Form 8300.  The indictment charges five counts of failure to file a Form 8300 and three counts of filing a false Form 8300.

Additionally, the indictment charges that Michael Boyter evaded taxes for the years of 2007 through 2010 by filing false information on his tax documents.  Michael Boyter intentionally understated his income on his personal tax returns, while paying for personal items and services, including an extensive house remodel, with business checks and/or cash.  In his plea agreement, Michael Boyter agreed to pay $290,381 to the IRS.

“The defendants have admitted to their involvement in assisting drug traffickers in their illegal activities that took place at Mike’s Auto Sales and A-1 Auto Finance,” Finley stated.  “They sold vehicles to drug dealers and used the money to enrich themselves.  They further broke the law by attempting to hide the proceeds of the illegally obtained wealth by lying on tax forms and not reporting income.  We thank all of the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who participated in this investigation.  My office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who do business with criminal elements in order to make quick profit.”

“This is an important victory for the American public,” stated Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Michael Boyter, William Boyter and Anthony Riley have taken responsibility for their roles in these crimes with the entering of their guilty pleas.  It is important to note that not only are the Boyters and Mr. Riley going to be sentenced for their crimes, but the government has seized a significant portion of the illegal proceeds through asset forfeiture.  The role of IRS CI in money laundering investigations is to follow the money so we can financially disrupt and dismantle these types of criminal enterprises.  IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to provide its financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice.”

The defendants also agreed to forfeit the property of Mike’s Auto Sales and A-1 Auto Finance as well as a money judgment in the amount of $1.3 million.

William Paul Boyter faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for the conspiracy to launder monetary instruments charge. Michael Paul Boyter also faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for wire fraud and faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for the evade or defeat tax charges. Riley faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for the failure to file Form 8300 charges.  A sentencing date of January 29, 2014 was set.

This prosecution is the culmination of an investigation dubbed Operation NOMAS and conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint multi-agency group consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with a cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking. Investigations of businesses that assist drug dealers in spending and hiding their criminal proceeds is an important part of the OCDETF mission.

Operation NOMAS was a jointly conducted investigation by the FBI’s Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigations, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force, and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office in Marshall, Texas, also assisted. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison D. Bushnell and Cytheria D. Jernigan are prosecuting the case.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced thatVincent Carter, 36, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on October 4, 2012, Carter made a deal to buy methamphetamine.  The meeting place was set in Natchitoches, La.  Carter sold the drugs while authorities were monitoring the transaction.  On October 10, 2012, Carter’s home was raided, and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a .380 semi-automatic pistol were found.  He pleaded guilty on March 19, 2013, to one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

“This case is the result of a joint effort by our office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.  Operations like this make a difference in the community and disrupt the sale of illegal narcotics, Finley stated.”

Carter was arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation code named “Crystal Bend.”  The DEA, ATF and the Louisiana State Police participated in this OCDETF operation.

The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Roland Castro, 41, an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., pleaded guilty to escaping a federal prison; and Timothy D. Willis, 49, of Philadelphia, Miss., pleaded guilty to assisting in Castro’s escape.  United States District Court Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the guilty plea hearing on Tuesday.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Castro was serving 240 months at the federal penitentiary in Pollock for a felon in possession of a firearm conviction.  Castro met Willis previously, and the two arranged to meet at an agreed-upon location on February 7, 2013.  Willis drove to the location on that date and picked up Castro.  Castro did not have permission to leave the prison.  After an emergency count of the prisoners was conducted, Castro was discovered missing.  Willis dropped Castro off near the prison, but Castro left instead of returning to custody.  Castro was apprehended on July 5, 2013, in Houston.

Castro and Willis each face up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release.  A sentencing date of November 14, 2013 was set.

The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Emmanuel Nwankwo, 54, of Nigeria, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 24 months in prison for impeding or hampering his deportation.

On May 21, 2013, after a two-day trial, a jury found Nwankwo guilty for impeding or hampering his deportation. Witness testimony and documents admitted into evidence at trial revealed that U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents brought Nwankwo to the Alexandria International Airport on December 11, 2012 and attempted to put him on a commercial flight.  The defendant began yelling and physically resisting officers, which prevented him from boarding the flight because of airline and Transportation Security Administration policies.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.

The 26th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is receiving half of the $240,000 in U.S. Currency found during a traffic stop. The defendants charged in the case were prosecuted on criminal charges in state court, but the forfeiture of the U.S. Currency was pursued in federal court.

According to forfeiture case documents, Louisiana State Police troopers pulled over a vehicle Feb. 12, 2012, during a routine traffic stop. After obtaining permission to search the vehicle, they found more than $200,000 in the air intake compartment and in a suitcase in the trunk. Further investigation led to the discovery of about $40,000 hidden in the headliner of the vehicle.

After further investigation, it was discovered that Kelman Hernandez Cortorreal, who was driving the vehicle, and Cesar Maldonado and Ramon Reyes, who were passengers in the vehicle, were part of a scheme where they cashed fraudulent tax refund checks. They were traveling back to Pennsylvania after obtaining cash for refund checks in Houston, Texas.

“This case serves as an example of what can happen when law enforcement agencies work together successfully,” Finley said. “The defendants in this case were caught in the act of transporting money that was obtained through smuggling and filing fraudulent tax refunds. I want to thank all law enforcement agencies who were involved in this case.”

“IRS appreciates the outstanding working relationship that we enjoy with the local law enforcement agencies,” stated Special Agent in Charge Gabriel Grchan, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to work together to make crime a little less lucrative in our community.”   

“I would like to commend the work of the State Police and all law enforcement agencies involved in this case,” Marvin stated. “Their efforts halted an illegal scheme that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.”

The IRS, 26th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ramsay C. McCullough brought the forfeiture action on behalf of the United States.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today a federal jury found St. Landry Parish School Board member Quincy Richard Sr., 51, of Opelousas, La., guilty of taking bribes for his vote in favor of a former candidate for St. Landry Parish Superintendent. United States District Judge Richard T. Haik presided over the trial.
           
On August 20, 2013, after a two-day trial, a jury found Richard guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and two counts of bribery after deliberating for about an hour.  Based on witness testimony and documents admitted into evidence, Richard was shown to have conspired with fellow St. Landry Parish School Board member John Miller, 72, of Opelousas, to receive bribe money from former school board superintendent candidate Joseph Cassimere in return for their support.  During July, August and September of 2012, Richard and Miller had a number of private meetings with Cassimere where they negotiated price and payment from Cassimere in exchange for their favorable individual votes as school board members in support of Cassimere’s candidacy for superintendent. At the same time the screening process for the superintendent position was ongoing and by the week of September 16, 2012, five applicants had been publicly named.  The final vote was scheduled for September 26, 2012.
           
The defendants met with Cassimere on September 24, 2012 at the Quarters Restaurant in Opelousas and received $5,000 each in return for their votes.  They made it clear that Cassimere had also secured their services, efforts, influence and due diligence to secure the votes of other members of the school board for Cassimere’s candidacy.  Richard added that Cassimere could also recoup his $10,000 bribe by adding that amount to his salary request.  Richard and Miller instructed Cassimere on how to make and justify a meritorious salary request above the amount listed for the superintendent’s salary as advertised.  This conversation of September 24, 2012 had been under FBI video and audio surveillance.  After the defendants exited the restaurant, they were confronted by the FBI who recovered the $5,000 payments.  Miller was indicted on October 24, 2012 and resigned from his position as a school board member July 28, 2013.  Miller pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery July 1, 2013.

United States Attorney Finley stated, “This case was about illegally selling votes.  Quincy Richard was thinking about himself, not about the children, the community or the school system.  The jury listened to the witnesses, reviewed the evidence and justice was served.  Without citizens who come forward, bribery like this would corrode our public servants.  This is a great step for the School Board.  I hope they can now move forward and take care of the educational work that needs to be addressed for the people of Opelousas.”

“The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate any public corruption undermining critical government institutions that support children such as our public school systems,” said Michael J. Anderson, FBI Special Agent in Charge, New Orleans Division.

Richard faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years in prison for the conspiracy to commit bribery count. He also faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for each bribery count. Miller faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bribery.  Sentencing dates have not been set.

The FBI-Alexandria Resident Agency conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that funeral home director John Casey Young, 45, of Vidalia, La., was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 70 months in prison and 9 years of supervised release for knowingly receiving child pornography on his computer. He was also ordered to pay a $16, 750 fine and will be required to register as a sex offender.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the FBI discovered that Young used his work computer to search for child pornography on the internet. Young pleaded guilty on March 15, 2013.

“Mr. Young’s actions furthered the abuse of children and contributed to a worldwide trade of such material,” Finley stated. “Our office will continue to prosecute cases such as this as part of our ongoing effort to protect child victims.”

“This investigation should serve as yet another reminder to the community of the strong and continuous commitment of the FBI and its law enforcement partners to expend all our available resources to protect children from such despicable conduct,” said Michael J. Anderson, FBI Special Agent in Charge, New Orleans Division.

The FBI and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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.

Those concerned may leave also tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.  The Alexandria FBI office number is (318) 443-5097.

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found Glen A. “Andy” Miller, 48, of West Monroe, guilty Wednesday of bank fraud. United States District Judge Robert G. James presided over the trial.

Miller’s trial started Monday and ended Wednesday evening with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for seven hours.  The evidence presented at trial established that from Sept. 24, 2010 until Jan. 25, 2011, Miller, an independent IT contractor, stole $97,413 from a Monroe company, Will Transport, where he was working at the time. Miller stole blank Will Transport company checks, made them payable to himself, and then used the company’s stamp to put signatures on the checks. Miller deposited these checks into his account at Capital One Bank and withdrew the funds shortly thereafter.  The trial evidence also revealed that Miller was previously terminated from the city of West Monroe for the fraudulent use of a city issued credit card.

Miller faces 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, restitution, and five years of supervised release for bank fraud. Sentencing has been set for November 4, 2013.

The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

Robert Burke, the Crowley District Fire Chief, received a call May 28, 2011 from a resident reporting an oil spill on Bayou Blanc. Burke traced the oil spill back to the drainage ditch at the mill. De La Houssaye told investigators he planned to deal with it after the Memorial Day holiday, which was May, 31, 2011.

Environmental authorities were called to the scene to investigate and began cleanup efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and others conducted an operation that cost federal, state, and local authorities $1, 012,401.

“My office will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who pollute our air, land and water,” Finley stated. “Companies and their employees will be held accountable for the damage they do to the environment. Hopefully this case serves as a deterrent to those who would ignore the environmental laws of this nation and state.”

“This country’s environmental laws are aimed at keeping inland waterways from becoming dumping grounds for waste materials,” said Ivan Vikin, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Louisiana.  “After the rupture of an oil storage tank on his property, the defendant failed to notify authorities who could have minimized the damage caused by thousands of gallons of untreated waste oil flowing directly into Bayou Blanc.  Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that companies and their senior managers will be held responsible for environmental crimes.”

“This is an example of the consequences people face when they choose to violate the environmental regulations,” Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Peggy Hatch said. “We have seen great strides in the environment throughout the state because the majority of the people care about the environment and want to do the right thing. Hopefully, today’s events will serve as an incentive for everyone to abide by the environmental regulations.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Crowley District Fire Department conducted the investigation and cleanup.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.           

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that David Shelton, 35, of Lake Charles, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for receiving child pornography.
           
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea and sentencing, authorities detected the defendant using the E-Mule file sharing program to download child pornography. A search of his home was conducted July 12, 2012. Federal agents discovered approximately 80 movies and 1,292 images of child pornography that had been downloaded by the defendant to his computer. Most of the images were of children about 9 years of age. Some of the images were sadistic prepubescent child pornography.  Shelton pleaded guilty on April 11, 2013.

“The individual in this case used his computer to download images of abused children,” Finley said.  “His actions contributed to a worldwide trade of such material. Our office will not stop prosecuting those who download images and videos depicting abuse of children. This case should send a clear message that there are serious consequences for this type of criminal activity.”

“Child pornography distributors enable the re-victimization of innocent children who have already experienced horrific abuse,” said Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer, Jr. “These predators do severe damage to our society, and HSI will continue to investigate and seek prosecution wherever these criminals may be found.”

Homeland Security Investigations and the Lake Charles Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States 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.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Thomas served as director of the office of academic assistance, and Sergeant served as assistant director of academic assistance at Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE). From Sept. 1, 2008 until Feb. 28, 2012, Thomas and Sergeant used their positions to take funds from federal grants meant for the Upward Bound and Student Support Services projects, which are designed to assist students at LSUE in their education efforts and goals. They used grant funds for their personal benefit and attempted to cover up their activities by altering receipts and submitting false records.

They admitted to buying clothes, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, children’s clothing, personal electronic devices, cookware, tools, toys, recreational vehicle parts, pet supplies, household items, outdoor items, exercise equipment, religious books, and gifts for family, friends and co-workers. LSU auditors, U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General and the FBI estimate that Thomas spent at least $68,464 and Sergeant $74,653. Additionally, they allowed and encouraged subordinate co-workers to make personal purchases as well.  The co-workers’ purchases total $16,050. A total of $159,167 was illegally spent under Thomas’ and Sergeant’s watch.

“The defendants in this case were entrusted with managing funds that were supposed to benefit students seeking to expand their education,” Finley stated. “They now potentially face years in jail, fines and other penalties for their actions. We will continue to pursue cases where taxpayer money is used for personal benefit.”

“These federal programs exist so that individuals can pursue and make their dream of a higher education a reality,” said Neil E. Sanchez, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Education/Office of Inspector General, South Central Region.  “That’s why OIG special agents will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of our nation’s students.”

Thomas and Sergeant face up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for theft of government funds.  A sentencing date of December 12, 2013 was set.

The FBI, U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General and Louisiana State University auditors conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Satonius Gaines, 19, of Fort Polk, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to 18 months in prison with five years of supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor.
                                                                                               
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Gaines admitted that on July 22, 2012, he engaged in oral sex with a 13-year-old minor on the Fort Polk Military base. He pleaded guilty May 1, 2013.
           
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Sanders admitted that he was president of the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 638C, union from June 2007 to February 2010, and that he was responsible for maintaining their financial records and funds. He admitted to not maintaining the necessary financial records needed to explain and clarify the reports he is required to submit under federal law. Sanders admitted he made unauthorized withdrawals from Local 638C’s general and strike fund checking accounts, in addition to paying for his personal utility bills with Local 638C funds. The evidence established that he took $24,028 in union funds.

Sanders faces up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for embezzling union funds.  A sentencing date of Dec. 12, 2013, 2013 was set.

The U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus is prosecuting the case.

Carlton’s trial started Monday and ended Tuesday afternoon with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for 20 minutes.  Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that Whitney C. Anderson visited Carlton Feb. 20, 2010 at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La. During the visit, one of the children present was sitting on Carlton’s lap. The defendant was seen taking something out of the child’s pocket and then swallowing it. The visit was terminated, and Carlton was taken to a dry cell for observation. He passed what appeared to be balloon fragments and other material that tested positive for the presence of marijuana.

Anderson pleaded guilty July 15, 2013 to one count of providing contraband to a prisoner. She faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for Oct. 28, 2013.

Carlton faces five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for possession of drugs in a federal prison. Sentencing is set for Oct. 30, 2013.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. France and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg are prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Ricky Martinez, 43, of Houston, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy stopped the defendant on Feb. 13, 2012 for speeding north of Lake Charles. The deputy asked Martinez to step out of the vehicle and saw he had an open beer. The deputy searched Martinez and found $10,540. After searching the vehicle, the deputy found 10 plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine, a baggie containing a cutting agent, and a digital scale. The DEA Regional Laboratory in Dallas later confirmed the 10 baggies contained a total of 265.8 grams of pure or actual methamphetamine.

Martinez faces up to 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release. A sentencing date of Nov. 7, 2013 was set.

Anthony Frederick “Tony” Giaimis, 48, of Westlake, La., and Justin W. Brewer, 42, of Houston, were also charged in the same indictment with Martinez in August 2012.

A jury found Giaimis guilty on April 10, 2013 after a three-day trial to three counts related to the case. He was sentenced Aug. 1, 2013 to 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, 262 months in prison and four years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and 262 months in prison and six years of supervised release for felony weapon possession. He is serving the prison and supervised release terms for all three counts concurrently.

Brewer was sentenced on July 25, 2013 to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.  He pleaded guilty on April 8, 2013.

The Westlake Police Department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, FBI-Safe Streets Task Force, Combined Anti-drug Team (CAT) Task Force and the DEA Laboratory conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel is prosecuting the case.

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced Anthony Frederick “Tony” Giaimis, 48, of Westlake, La., was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, 262 months in prison and four years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and 262 months in prison and six years of supervised release for felony weapon possession. He will serve prison and supervised release terms for all three counts concurrently.

On April 10, 2013, after a three-day trial, a jury found Giaimis guilty of conspiring to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and a felon in possession of 14 firearms.  According to witness testimony and evidence presented at trial, during the dates of the conspiracy, Giaimis obtained more than 80 ounces of methamphetamine from two men in the Houston area, which he sold to people living in and around Calcasieu Parish.  On January 6, 2012, police found 14 firearms during a search of the marina where Giaimis was living, the Bridge Point Yacht club, which is owned by his mother.  Giaimis had been previously convicted of a felony in June of 2011 in the 253rd District Court of Texas in Chambers County for possession with intent to deliver more than 200 grams of methamphetamine.

Justin W. Brewer, 42, and Ricky Martinez, 43, both of Houston, Texas, were also charged in the same indictment with Giaimis in August 2012.  Brewer was sentenced on July 25, 2013 by Judge Minaldi, to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. According to evidence presented at Brewer’s guilty plea, he was arrested on December 28, 2011, after a Westlake police officer found 51.1 grams of pure methamphetamine in the trunk of his car.  An informant told authorities that Brewer was in the Westlake area and was transporting a large quantity of methamphetamine.  After the officer pulled Brewer over for a traffic violation, the officer found a drug smoking pipe and other drug paraphernalia in the console of the car, and a box containing methamphetamine in the trunk.  He pleaded guilty on April 8, 2013.

Martinez is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on August 7, 2013.  He is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  

“It took the work of police, sheriff’s deputies, and federal agents, along with witnesses to bring the defendants in this drug distribution operation to justice,” Finley stated.  “I want to thank all of those who put their time and lives on the line to remove harmful and illegal drugs from our streets.”

The Westlake Police Department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, FBI-Safe Streets Task Force, Combined Anti-drug Team (CAT) Task Force, and the DEA Laboratory conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel is prosecuting the case.