FEDERAL DISTRICT ARCHIVE
Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
One Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison, Two Others Plead Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that one man was sentenced and two pleaded guilty Thursday to various child pornography related charges. The sentencing and guilty pleas were held before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi.
KANSAS MAN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS FOR PRODUCING CHILD PORN
Lonnie Allen Truitt, 27, of Coffeyville, Kan., was sentenced to 50 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for production of child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the defendant began text messaging a 15-year-old girl in east Texas on November 1, 2011. Truitt convinced the girl to provide him with sexually explicit images. Between November 15 and 30, 2011, the defendant traveled to Texas to meet with the girl. Truitt and the girl then traveled to a camp in Lake Charles where they engaged in sex acts. Truitt was arrested when camp staff members became suspicious and called law enforcement authorities. He pleaded guilty on April 11, 2013.
“Today’s sentencing shows that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and its law enforcement partners will identify and seek prosecution of sexual predators everywhere regardless of where they may travel to flee from justice,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. Parmer.
EX-TUGBOAT CAPTAIN PLEADS GUILTY TO TRANSPORTING CHILD PORN
Former tugboat captain Kenneth Dwight Dickey, 57, of Foley, Ala., pleaded guilty to transporting child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, law enforcement authorities detected Dickey downloading child pornography using “peer-to-peer” software. Those using peer-to-peer software usually take a file and place it in a “shared folder” on a computer for the purpose of distribution with other individuals on the internet. A search of the defendant’s computer and phone on October 15, 2012 showed that Dickey was in possession of child pornography. He also admitted to transporting child pornography from Mississippi to the Western District of Louisiana. The child pornography on the computer was sadistic in nature.
Dickey faces up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, for transporting child pornography.
WESTLAKE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSING CHILD PORN
Michael Sonnier, 31, of Westlake, La., pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, law enforcement authorities detected Sonnier downloading child pornography using file sharing software. A search of the defendant’s computer and phone on October 18, 2012 showed that he had downloaded more than 26 movies of hardcore child pornography, which included sadistic material depicting prepubescent children.
Sonnier faces up to 10 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for possession of child pornography.
“The defendants in these cases are child predators who participated or facilitated the abuse of children,” Finley stated. “The public should be aware that these criminals use cell phones, computers, and other technology to connect with minors or to download images of children being sexually abused. This office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law in order to protect the children of this community.”
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the cases.
All of the cases were 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. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Jordanian Sentenced for Marrying on Two Separate Occasions to Evade Immigration LawsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Emad Edin Yousef Abdallah, 29, of Jordan, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik, to time served and two years of supervised release for marrying on two separate occasions in an attempt to evade U.S. immigration laws. Haik stated that Abdallah had agreed to leave the United States within 10 days of sentencing. The judge also stated that if Abdallah returns to the United States within the two year supervised release period, the terms of his federal supervised release will be reinstated.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he entered into two fraudulent marriages to change his immigration status and evade the immigration laws of the United States. The March 3, 2009, marriage ended in divorce in June of 2010, and Abdallah married another woman on June 27, 2011. He admitted that the second marriage also took place in part to change his immigration status and evade immigration laws.“The defendant in this case admitted to illegally getting married on two separate occasions in order to remain in this country,” Finley stated. “His actions were a willful violation of immigration laws. My office will continue to look at these cases and prosecute them when warranted.”
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus prosecuted the case.
Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Using Fake Credit Cards and Other Devices to Illegally Access Cash While at Southeast Louisiana CasinosRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Deamioune Fransyre Caples, 33, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to using counterfeit credit cards and other devices to steal thousands of dollars.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, between June 21, 2012 and January 13, 2013, Caples used counterfeit credit cards and other access devices at Delta Downs, L’Auberge Du Lac, and Isle of Capri casinos to access money. The devices included Green Dot Visa cards, 123 Rewards cards, Chase cards, Wells Fargo cards and Bank of America cards among others. The cards displayed Caples’ name on the front, but the magnetic strip on the back contained the identity of the financial institution and individual who had not authorized Caples to use their account information. The defendant made the counterfeit access devices in Texas and traveled to the Western District of Louisiana to use them. He stole $118,684 using the counterfeit access devices.
Caples faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution for the unauthorized use of a counterfeit access device count. Sentencing is scheduled to take place in October of 2013.The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.
Bossier City Man Sentenced for Running an Internet Gambling OperationRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today thatTerry Lee Doty Jr., 34, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to three years of probation and was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine for operating an illegal internet sports gambling site.
Doty pleaded guilty in April 2013, to one count of transmission of wagering information, a federal felony offense. According to FBI testimony presented at the guilty plea, Doty was the local administrator for an internet sports gambling site based in Costa Rica. Doty had approximately 280 clients placing sports bets with him, one of which was an undercover FBI agent.
“Sports gambling on internet websites is no different than bookmaking operations run by traditional ‘pay phone’ bookies,” Finley stated. “Gambling on sporting events is strictly regulated, but unregulated internet sports books preclude any meaningful control of gambling and avoid compliance with the law. That is why it is important that we enforce federal gambling laws.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan prosecuted the case.
New Iberia Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Attempting to Solicit A Minor OnlineRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Gregory Steven Guillot, 35, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik, to 135 months in prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Guillot is also required to complete 20 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Guillot made contact with a female he believed to be a 14-year-old girl using an online chat service. Guillot began chatting with the girl and attempted to make her feel comfortable, but later became more aggressive, asking questions of a sexual nature. He then sent sexually explicit images of himself and directed the girl to do the same. The undercover officer Guillot was chatting with made plans to meet him, and on October 24, 2011, authorities arrested Guillot on his way to pick up the 14-year-old girl he had arranged to meet. Guillot pleaded guilty on March 14, 2013.
This is not the first time Guillot has engaged in this type of activity. In 2006, he attempted to meet a female he thought was 15 years of age for sex and was arrested by state authorities in Hammond, La. Guillot originally faced Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, but the charge was downgraded to Cyber-stalking. Guillot was given probation.
“This defendant’s goal was to lure a minor through internet chat and then meet to have sex,” Finley stated. “He will now spend years in prison for attempting to bring a child into a potentially dangerous situation. Anytime anyone uses the internet to abuse or exploit children, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute them. Too many children fall prey to online predators. My office, along with our state, local and federal partners will continue to safeguard the children of this community.”
The Kenner Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie 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 and to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lafayette FBI office number is (337) 233-2164.
Minden Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison/Treatment for Fourth DWIRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Kathleen Larsen Coker, 51, of Minden, La., was sentenced Monday before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to two years in prison and three years of supervised release with conditions of treatment for driving while intoxicated. She was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Coker drove a truck into a security bollard outside the East Gate of Barksdale Air Force Base at 5:10 a.m. on Nov. 18, 2012. Her blood alcohol level registered at .168 when measured at 7:27 a.m. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit on Barskdale Air Force Base is .08. The defendant had three prior convictions for driving while intoxicated in the last 10 years. The first conviction was on Nov. 16, 2005 in Minden City Court; the second conviction was on March 27, 2007 in 26th Judicial District Court in Webster Parish; and the third conviction was April 7, 2010 in 2nd Judicial District Court in Claiborne Parish. Coker pleaded guilty on March 11, 2013.
“This defendant will spend two years in prison because she made the mistake of drinking and driving,” Finley stated. “She put the lives of everyone who traveled the roads in danger and damaged Barksdale Air Force Base property, which was a cost to taxpayers. Hopefully this case serves as a deterrent to anyone thinking of drinking and getting behind the wheel.”
The Department of the Air Force Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Maurice Man Pleads Guilty to Counterfeiting $100 BillsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Brandon Lee Landry, 31, of Maurice, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to counterfeiting $100 bills.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Landry admitted that between August 2012 and September 2012 he counterfeited $100 bills. When officers arrested Landry on September 17, 2012, they found a number of uncut sheets of printed counterfeit $100 bills, an all-in-one printer, scanner, copier and numerous high-quality individual counterfeit $100 bills in his vehicle. The serial numbers on six of the counterfeit bills found in Landry’s vehicle were matched to counterfeit bills used illegally to pay for goods and services throughout the Acadiana area. Landry is responsible for printing more than 59 counterfeit $100 bills and admitted that he used the all-in-one printer, scanner, copier to make counterfeit money at a residence located in or near New Iberia, La. He also admitted that he passed the counterfeit bills to a number of area stores in an attempt to purchase merchandise.
Landry faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release for counterfeiting. A sentencing date has not been set.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel is prosecuting the case.Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing 216 Stolen Social Security Administration ChecksRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Terry Ulysses Morris, 50, of Lithonia, Ga., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik, to possessing stolen U.S. mail.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities pulled over Morris’ vehicle during a traffic stop on January 18, 2012, as he was driving eastbound on Interstate 10 through Calcasieu Parish. A strong odor of marijuana prompted authorities to ask Morris if they could search the vehicle. Authorities found two sacks containing 216 U.S. Treasury checks that had not been cashed. The checks were from Social Security Administration accounts with Georgia addresses. The face value for the checks totaled $144,920. Morris admitted that he traveled to Houston, Texas, to find someone to cash or buy the checks. He could not find buyers because the checks were so old that most of the intended recipients had requested that replacement checks be issued. Morris was driving back to Georgia when he was stopped in Calcasieu Parish.
Morris faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for possessing stolen mail. A sentencing date was not set.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Calcasieu Anti-drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel is prosecuting the case.
Final Two Defendants in U.S. Custody Arrested in Dreamboard Child Sex Exploitation Site Case SentencedRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the last two defendants in U.S. custody arrested so far in the Dreamboard child sex exploitation and child pornography site case were sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks.
Christopher Blackford, 28, of Charleston, S.C., was sentenced to 265 months in prison with a lifetime of supervised release for participating in a child exploitation operation. According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Blackford joined Dreamboard Dec. 29, 2009, and placed 84 online bulletin board posts containing child pornography.William Davis, 39, of Bristol, N.H., was sentenced to 210 months in prison with a lifetime of supervised release for his part in the Dreamboard child exploitation operation. According to the evidence presented at his guilty plea, during his time on Dreamboard, Davis posted advertisements offering to distribute child pornography to other members of the board.
Blackford and Davis were charged in an indictment unsealed on Aug. 3, 2011. The charges were the result of Operation Delego, an investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard. The board was a private, members-only, online bulletin board that was created and operated to promote pedophilia and encourage the sexual abuse of very young children in an environment designed to avoid law enforcement detection.A total of 72 individuals, including Blackford and Davis, were charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of the 72 charged defendants have been arrested in the United States and abroad. Nine of the 57 are in the process of being extradited to the United States. Forty-seven individuals have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial. The 48 individuals who have pleaded guilty or found guilty for their roles in the conspiracy have been sentenced to prison and have received sentences ranging between five years to life in prison. Three defendants have received life sentences, including the one who was convicted at trial. Fifteen of the 72 charged individuals remain at large and are known only by their online identities. Efforts to identify and apprehend these individuals continue. Operation Delego represents the largest prosecution to date in the United States of individuals who have participated in an online bulletin board conceived and operated for the sole purpose of promoting child sexual abuse, disseminating child pornography and evading law enforcement.
“There is a lot of work to be done before most, if not all, online operations like this one can be stopped,” Finley stated. “It took the work of many agencies, both domestic and international, to find and bring these defendants to justice. I want to thank all of the prosecutors and law enforcement agencies who were involved from the beginning and those who have seen this case through until now. We hope to make more arrests in the case and bring to justice all of the individuals who perpetrate such vile schemes that endanger children.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Keith Becker of CEOS. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The investigation was conducted by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, CEOS, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE attaches offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.
The investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to identify, investigate and arrest those who prey on children, including human traffickers, international sex tourists, Internet pornographers and foreign-national predators whose crimes make them deportable.ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
The following table lists all Dreamboard defendants, pleas, convictions and sentences:
Defendant
Guilty Plea
Sentencing
DateCharges To Which Defendant pleaded Guilty
Sentencing DetailsSteven Perez, aka PataPata
01/05/12
08/14/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
235 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseMatthew McKee,
aka fantom
aka fantomg
12/02/11
08/14/12
Robert Sprague, aka Jailbird
01/31/12
08/14/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
LIFE in PrisonHenry Hand, aka dfx
02/15/12
08/14/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseRobert Cuff, aka dd0040, aka slapalot
12/01/11
07/13/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
LIFE in PrisonEdward Oedewaldt, aka twelvish aka Legend
01/19/12
08/01/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
-Possession of Child Pornography
38 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseJerrold Wayne Wright, aka TheShadow
10/17/11
08/01/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Five Years Supervised ReleaseDavid Lindsay, aka Slipnslide
02/16/12
08/01/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
262 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseJason Simon, aka Templar aka Shuffle
04/12/12
08/02/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
30 Years in Prison/Five Years Supervised ReleaseStephen Fairbanks, aka Zapper aka JMagic
04/12/12
08/02/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseTimothy Stone, aka Kitsu
04/12/12
08/02/12-Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseScott Spiegel, aka Zaxx aka Zaxxter
04/13/12
08/02/12-Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography
121 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseScott Lewandowski, aka Prjb aka Koan
04/13/12
08/02/12-Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseDesmond Meredith, aka Beast
11/10/11
04/13/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
15 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseTimothy Gentry, aka Johnny_5_is_@alive
02/01/11
05/10/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
25 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseLarry Ridley, aka Athf
07/14/11
10/26/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseDaniel Deschenes, aka Catman
01/12/12
05/04/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
260 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseMichael Biggs, aka tommyleejones
02/01/11
05/31/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
14 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseMicheal Thompson, aka SamSneed
05/10/11
09/13/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseCharles Christian, aka NLN
03/31/11
07/14/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
265 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseMichael Childs, aka Michy99
03/09/11
06/22/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
30 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseWilliam Barton, aka blackbart2010
09/13/11
01/05/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
327 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseChristopher James Luke, aka Dank0420
06/29/11
10/02/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
14 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseStephen Clinton Kinney, aka SocratesWasAGeek
06/29/11
10/14/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
293 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseGary Schneider, aka Mytink
05/31/11
01/12/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseRichard Chandler, aka almeda
01/15/12
04/05/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
35 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseCharles Pyeatte, aka Daddy-O
05/31/11
09/13/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
327 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseRush Frank Blankenship, aka 14yrsmax
09/01/11
12/01/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseDavid Michael Whitten, aka davie
06/29/11
10/05/11-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
35 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseJamil Lamar Mosley, aka clubkidsforever
07/12/11
01/17/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseAnthony Paul Sowders, aka ChanChadwick
07/11/11
01/05/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
27 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseBenet Schmidt, aka Brazthumper
12/01/11
04/05/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
37 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseJeffrey J. Rodriguez, aka HowardHughes
10/27/11
01/17/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseJonathan Mayer, aka unclebuck81
11/10/11
07/13/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseRandall Dech, aka Rudy
10/17/11
03/23/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseShane Micah Turner, aka korneech08
03/23/12
07/13/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseJoseph Matthew Wheeler, aka Wildman
10/27/11
04/12/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseEric Myszke-Francis, aka Samsackk
10/04/11
01/12/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
17 ½ Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseIvan E. Cerda, aka Mokoloko69
01/05/12
04/05/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
262 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseMilton Perry, aka Camy aka Blondie aka Lorwyn
12/01/11
04/12/12-Conspiracy to Advertise the Distribution of Child
Pornography
20 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseDavid Ettlinger, aka eel
08/15/12
01/08/13-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
45 Years in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleasePaul Fry, aka Lofty
01/08/13
5/9/13-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/lifetime Supervised ReleaseKevin Casey, aka milkduds, urinalcake
01/16/13
5/9/13-Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography
5 Years in Prison/5 years Supervised ReleaseTodd Stumpf, aka Winkee
03/02/12
06/11/13-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
20 Years in Prison/5 years Supervised ReleaseWilliam Jewell, aka VladimirPutin
09/06/12
06/11/13-Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography
20 Years in Prison/lifetime Supervised ReleaseChristopher Blackford aka biggniche090
04/11/13
07/29/13-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
265 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseWilliam Davis, aka checkmate, timesink
04/11/13
07/29/13-Conspiracy to Advertise Child Pornography
210 Months in Prison/Lifetime Supervised ReleaseDefendant
Trial Conviction
Sentencing
DateGuilty on the Following Charges
John Wyss, aka Bones
05/17/12
09/06/12-Engaging in a Child Exploitation Enterprise
-Conspiracy to Advertise Child Pornography
-Conspiracy to Distribute Child Pornography
LIFE in PrisonAlbanian Convicted for Resisting Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Bledar Bujilici, 36, of Albania, was found guilty Friday by a federal jury for impeding or hampering his deportation. U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial.
Bujilici’s trial started last Thursday and ended Friday with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for 32 minutes. Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents (IEA) brought the defendant to the Alexandria International Airport on March 1, 2012 and attempted to put him on a commercial flight. After being removed from a van, the defendant got down on the ground and would not get up. He was returned to federal prison. The defendant also refused deportation on Nov. 21, 2011 at Logan International Airport in Boston, Mass., before being transferred to a prison in Louisiana. He has been in federal custody since February 2008 when he was convicted of second degree assault.
Bujilici faces up to four years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for resisting deportation. Sentencing is set for Oct. 29, 2013.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. France are prosecuting the case.Lafayette Resident Pleads Guilty to Part in Vehicle Insurance Fraud ScamRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Oliver Lockett, 44, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to staging vehicle accidents in order to defraud insurance companies.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Lockett admitted to causing multiple vehicle accidents from 2003 until March 10, 2010. He also admitted to conspiring with others who would serve as guest passengers who knew ahead of time there would be a crash. Some of the co-conspirators traveled in separate cars behind Lockett and would pose as independent witnesses. As a result, the defendant made numerous claims to insurance companies for property damage and personal injury.
Lockett faces up to five 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 Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus is prosecuting the case.
Inmates Plead Guilty to Charges in Assault That Left Fellow Inmate HospitalizedRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Ernest Prado, 48, Pollock prisoner, and Gumaro Lopez, 33, Pollock prisoner, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to assaulting a fellow inmate.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, officials for the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock on Nov. 29, 2010 observed defendants Prado and Lopez in the recreation yard assaulting an inmate using “homemade” ice pick type weapons. When the corrections officers approached to intervene, Prado and Lopez ceased the assault and threw the picks on the ground. The injured inmate was transported to a local hospital and was found to have sustained approximately 15 puncture wounds to his upper torso. The assault was captured on video.
Prado and Gumaro face up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon. Prado is serving time for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and Lopez is serving time for possession with intent to distribute heroin. A sentencing date of Oct. 28, 2013 was set.
The FBI-Alexandria, La., Resident Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Bossier City Man Pleads Guilty to Counterfeiting $20 Bills in ApartmentRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Dakota Mallory Robinson, 24, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg to making counterfeit Federal Reserve notes.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, a duplex manager called the Bossier City Police Department to report that a maintenance worker had observed Robinson making counterfeit money in his apartment with the door open to the public. A search of the apartment Feb. 8, 2013 revealed $2,020 worth of counterfeit $20 bills, a printer, uncut sheets of counterfeit $20 bills, and other related items.Robinson faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 for the charge. A sentencing date of Oct. 24, 2013 was set.
The U.S. Secret Service, Shreveport Office, and the Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Lafayette Businessman Buswell Pleads Guilty to Charges in Two Separate CasesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Richard Joseph Buswell, 44, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty to charges in two separate cases related to his involvement in two separate business ventures.
BUSWELL PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG DISTRIBUTION CHARGE IN
CURIOUS GOODS CASEBuswell pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Hanna to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance analogue. Buswell faces 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $1 million fine, and restitution. A sentencing date of May 16, 2014 was set.
Co-defendants Boyd Barrow, 44, of Canton, Ga.; Thomas William Malone Jr., 45, of Roswell, Ga.; and Drew T. Green, 38, of Roswell, Ga.; pleaded guilty in September 2012 to Count One of the Superceding Indictment, which is to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance analogue. Joshua Espinoza, 49, of Marietta, Ga., pleaded guilty to Count One of the Superceding Indictment in November 2012. The remaining co-defendants who did not plead guilty are Alexander Derrick Reece, 40, of Gainesville, Fla.; Daniel James Stanford, 54, of Lafayette, La.; Daniel Paul Francis, 42, of Dawsonville, Ga.; and Barry L. Domingue, 52, of Carencro, La. Trial date has been set for March 31, 2014.
The DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS, and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and J. Collin Sims are prosecuting the case.
BUSWELL PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGE IN SCHEME THAT COST INVESTORS MILLIONS
Buswell also pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to a securities fraud case in which he orchestrated an investment scheme that the government contends cost clients $8 million. Buswell 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 FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and Howard C. Parker are prosecuting the case.
Charenton Man Pleads Guilty to Larceny at the Chitimacha Tribal ReservationRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Kendrick T. Edmond, 21, of Charenton, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Hanna to larceny occurring at the Chitimacha Tribal Reservation.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Edmond admitted to entering the Chitimacha Trading Post, which is within the Chitimacha Tribal Reservation, on March 31, 2013, and removing cancer donations from the register counter. The donations had been provided to defray the medical expenses of a member of the Sovereign Nation of the Chitimacha.Edmond faces up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, restitution, and a $100,000 fine.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases, arising in Indian Country, involving felonies where either the defendant or the victim is an Indian or both the defendant and the victim are Indian. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also prosecutes cases involving misdemeanors where the defendant is a non-Indian.
The Chitimacha Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
Crowley Man Sentenced for Robbing Natchitoches Parish Post OfficeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced thatRicky J. Scott, 44, of Crowley, La., was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell to 90 months in prison with three years supervised release for robbing a Cloutierville U.S. Post Office.
On Jan. 23, 2013, Scott pleaded guilty to robbery of U.S. property. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on Aug. 24, 2012, Scott approached a U.S. postal worker who was alone in the Cloutierville post office. Scott pretended to purchase a money order. After the employee opened the cash register, Scott, who appeared to have a weapon in his pocket, threatened her and told her to hand over the money. After the postal employee gave him money from the register, he fled the scene. After fleeing Natchitoches Parish, Scott was eventually apprehended by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Cytheria Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Webster Parish Accountant Sentenced for FraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Murlin D. Graham, 37, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $582,333 in restitution and forfeit a Stingray speedboat and travel trailer. He pleaded guilty on April 16, 2013.According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Graham created “shell companies” with names similar to those that did business with CW&W Contractors Inc., which is where he worked as an accountant. The “shell” companies had bank accounts but provided no services. The “shell” company accounts were solely under Graham’s control. Graham caused CW&W to make payments to his “shell” companies rather than to CW&W’s actual customers on multiple occasions for almost two years. As a result of his fraudulent conduct, Graham stole $582,333 from CW&W.
“The defendant in this case sought to hide his theft but was ultimately brought to justice,” Finley stated. “Through his actions, this trusted employee deprived his employer of business income and cost himself time in federal prison. We will continue to prosecute cases like this to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This case is another example of local and federal authorities working together to achieve a common goal of bringing justice to the citizens of Webster Parish,” said Gary Sexton, Webster Parish Sheriff.
The FBI and the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Three Illegal Aliens Sentenced This Week for Violating Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA/LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that three illegal aliens were sentenced this week in U.S. District Court for violating deportation orders multiple times.
EL SALVADOR CITIZEN SENTENCED FOR ORDER NON-COMPLIANCE
Manuel Rivas, 45, of El Salvador, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell in Alexandria, to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for two counts of resisting his deportation. According to evidence presented at the trial, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Rivas on July 11, 2011, and he was issued an administrative order for removal because he was an alien convicted of a felony. Rivas refused to fill out the necessary paperwork for his request for travel documentation from El Salvador on July 3, 2012 and Aug. 16, 2012. A jury found Rivas guilty on April 5, 2013 after a two-day trial.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Seiji Ohashi prosecuted the case.
MEXICAN CITIZEN SENTENCED TO 39 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR RE-ENTRY
Gilberto Del Rio Herrera, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik in Lafayette, to 21 months in prison for illegal re-entry into the United States and 18 months in prison due to revocation of probation for an illegal re-entry charge from the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Louisiana State Police arrested Herrera on Dec. 2, 2012 after a vehicle accident took place in Lafayette Parish. He was charged with hit and run driving, driving while intoxicated, improper lane usage, and possession of an alcoholic beverage in an open container. A criminal history check conducted by the Louisiana State Police revealed that Herrera had been previously deported to Mexico and had last entered the United States in August of 2012 at Tijuana, Mexico. It was also discovered that Herrera had been deported to Mexico four times and had a criminal record. His record included a 1999 conviction for possession of cocaine in Harris County Texas.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Louisiana State Police and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.
MEXICAN CITIZEN RECEIVES 16 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY
David Cruz-Perez, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik in Lafayette, to 16 months in prison for illegal re-entry into the United States. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Cruz-Perez for aggravated second degree battery on Sept. 29, 2012. The defendant has a criminal history and was previously removed on Aug. 19, 2004. He pleaded guilty to the illegal re-entry charge on March 11, 2013.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Vernon Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Downloading Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Francis M. Buckner Jr., 41, of New Llano, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to possession of child pornography.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Buckner admitted to possessing 36 videos and 144 images of child pornography. Law enforcement officers identified the defendant as a collector of child pornography involving young children. He used Limewire, a software sharing program, to download the child pornography. A search warrant was obtained for his residence, and the investigation revealed that Buckner had downloaded sadistic material depicting bondage and other sexually explicit scenes involving prepubescent children onto his computer. The defendant admitted he had been downloading child pornography at the time of his arrest.
Buckner faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. A sentencing date has not been set. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police 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.
Six Defendants Plead Guilty in Auto Accident Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that six defendants pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on Monday, the day trial was set to begin. The following defendants pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to an automobile accident insurance fraud scheme:
Bobby Lee Kimble, 42, of Athens, La., pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and health care fraud;
Joe Abbott, 54, of Arcadia, La., pleaded guilty to conspiracy, mail fraud, and health care fraud;
Marcus Kimble, 30, of Arcadia, La., pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and health care fraud;
Damario Henderson, 29, of Homer, La., pleaded guilty to conspiracy and health care fraud;
Monica Jenkins, 25, of Athens, La., pleaded guilty to conspiracy, mail fraud, and health care fraud; and
Larry Kimble, 33, of Athens, La., pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud.
The members of the ring conspired to stage and fabricate automobile accidents and submit fraudulent claims to insurance companies for bodily injury and property damage. The “Kimble Ring,” which was composed of family, friends and associates, staged accidents including two automobile rear-end collisions, single automobile collisions with trees, and false hit and run claims. False claims were filed for accidents in Bienville Parish; Ruston, La.; Athens, La.; and Claiborne Parish between December 2007 and March 2008.
The group faces up to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit fraud. They face 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for health care fraud, up to 20 years in prison and three years supervised release for wire fraud, and up to 20 years in prison and two years supervised release for mail fraud. The charges also each carry a $250,000 fine and restitution. Sentencing dates of November 13 and 14 of 2013 were set for the defendants.
“This group was motivated by greed and their goal was to get as much money as possible by defrauding insurance companies out of thousands of dollars,” Finley stated. “Their actions placed unnecessary burdens on the local insurance system by causing money and time to be misspent on false claims. This office will continue to prosecute these types of cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.Two Sentenced and One Pleads Guilty to Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
MONROE/SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that two defendants were sentenced and one defendant pleaded guilty to firearms charges this week.
Defendant Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison
Lorenzo V. Rodriguez, 52, of Mexico, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg, to 18 months in prison and three years supervised release for possession and receipt of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the Monroe Police Department responded to a domestic dispute on Oct. 14, 2012. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez, an illegal alien, threatened the victim using a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The firearm was recovered at the scene and Rodriguez was taken into custody. He admitted to previously purchasing the firearm from an unknown person. Rodriguez pleaded guilty on March 18, 2013.
The ATF, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Defendant Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison
Terrance L. Ford, 32, of Monroe, La., was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James, to 70 months in prison and three years supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Ford was arrested on June 4, 2012 after being found in possession of a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Ford had been previously convicted of second degree battery and distribution of PCP, which is a controlled dangerous substance.
The ATF and the Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.
Virginia Resident Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charges
William Thomas Holland III, 32, of Virginia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg today, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Holland’s vehicle was parked near a wooded area on Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB). Marijuana was seen in the car. After a search of the car, marijuana and other items were seized. Holland admitted the car was his. At the time, the defendant resided on BAFB with his wife who is in the military, but he was not. A search of the residence was authorized, and a loaded .357 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number was found. Holland admitted that he possessed the firearm and ammunition. Holland had been previously convicted of a felony battery charge in California. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the felon in possession of a firearm count and five years for the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number count. Both counts also carry a $250,000 fine and up to three years supervised release. A sentencing date of Oct. 3, 2013 was set.
The ATF, the Barksdale Air Force Base Security Forces and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert W. Gillespie Jr. and Robert J. France are prosecuting the case.
Former Shreveport Cardiology Center Office Manager Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Vongphanet J. “Joe” Siharath, 40, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 41 months in prison with five years of supervised release for bank fraud. He was also ordered to pay $1,057,949 in restitution.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Siharath admitted to forging signatures of doctors associated with the medical practice of Cardiology Associates in Shreveport where he was office manager from Jan. 22, 2008 to July 25, 2012. He forged approximately 48 checks and purchased one cashier’s check, with a total loss of $1,057,949 to Cardiology and Associates. The forged checks were made payable to various payees. Siharath controlled each account the money was deposited into.Beginning on Jan. 30, 2009 until July 25, 2012, the defendant also obtained loans to cover the money taken because of the forged checks. The loan officer at the bank allowed the defendant to leave with the bank paperwork to have it signed by various doctors. Instead, the defendant forged the doctors’ names.
The U.S. Secret Service and the Caddo Parish White Collar Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mignonne Griffing prosecuted the case.
St. Landry Parish School Board Member Pleads Guilty to Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that St. Landry Parish School Board member John Miller, 72, of Opelousas, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Miller admitted that he and fellow St. Landry Parish School Board member Quincy Richard Sr., 51, of Opelousas, conspired to receive bribe money from school board superintendent candidate Joseph Cassimere in return for their support. During July, August and September of 2012, Miller admitted that he and Richard 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 Sept. 16, 2012, five applicants had been publicly named. The final vote was scheduled for Sept. 26, 2012.
The defendants met with Cassimere on Sept. 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. 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 Sept. 24, 2012 had been under video and audio surveillance. After the defendants exited the restaurant, they were confronted by authorities who recovered the $5,000 payments. Miller was indicted on Oct. 24, 2012.United States Attorney Finley stated, “This is a positive first step for the School Board to move forward so they can take care of the educational work that needs to be addressed for the children and citizens of this community.”
Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bribery. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI-Alexandria Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.
Jordanian Pleads Guilty to Marrying Two Women to Evade Immigration LawsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Emad Edin Yousef Abdallah, 29, of Jordan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to marriage fraud.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he entered into two fraudulent marriages to change his immigration status and evade the immigration laws of the United States. The March 3, 2009 marriage ended in divorce in June 2010, and Abdallah married another woman on June 27, 2011. He admitted that the second marriage also took place in part to change his immigration status and evade immigration laws.Abdallah faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for marriage fraud. A sentencing of July 12, 2013 was set.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus is prosecuting the case.
Haughton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that John James William Bonacci Sr., 70, of Haughton, La., was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 10 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for possessing child pornography.
According to court documents, authorities searched Bonacci’s home on Feb. 17, 2012 in connection with a child molestation complaint. Before a search of his home was conducted, Bonacci admitted to viewing pornography for many years. Authorities found more than 1,100 videos and 90 photographs depicting child pornography. Some of the videos contained images of children under 12 years of age and some had children as young as one year. Bonacci pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2012.
The FBI, the Northwest Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Bossier Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice 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.
Tips or other information can also be submitted to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.
Montgomery Woman Pleads Guilty to Taking Nearly $200,00 in SSA Payments over 22 YearsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Mary Elizabeth Kilpatrick, 57, of Montgomery, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to theft of government money.
According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, Kilpatrick spent her mother’s Social Security Administration (SSA) payments for more than 22 years after her mother died. Kilpatrick’s mother died June 5, 1990, and until then, had been receiving widow’s benefits. The money continued to be placed in Kilpatrick and her mother’s joint account, and Kilpatrick continued to spend it. The SSA deposited $176,714 total in widow’s benefits into the joint account. Additionally, the SSA disbursed $15,954 in Medicare premiums after the death, and there was a $250 Economic Recovery Payment paid out to Kilpatrick’s mother in May 2009. The total loss was $192,918.
Kilpatrick faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release. Kilpatrick is scheduled to appear Sept. 27, 2013 for sentencing.
The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Many Couple Sentenced for Counterfeiting $20 BillsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Larry Maurice Malmay, 36, of Zwolle, La., and Kellie Amanda Craig, 29, of Many, La., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg for making counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Malmay received 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Craig received five years of probation. The equipment and items used to produce the counterfeit money were ordered forfeited to the government.
According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, a Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Deputy came to Craig’s home June 12, 2012 in response to a domestic complaint. While talking to Craig, it was learned that there were counterfeit $20 bills in the home. Craig told authorities that Malmay and another person had printed most of the fake Federal Reserve notes. A search of the home revealed cut and uncut counterfeit bills, a paper cutter, cotton paper and a printer. Malmay later told authorities he had planned to print $16,500 worth of fake money to pay a drug dealer.The U.S. Secret Service-Shreveport Office and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.
USDA Employee Pleads Guilty to Lying in Order to Secure Loans to Hide More Than $600,000 in Thefts from Federally Funded Non-ProfitRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Donna Jean Remides, 51, of Winnsboro, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert G. James to lying on loan applications in order to receive loans used to hide the theft of $640,000 from a federally funded non-profit.
A trial started Monday but ended today as the prosecution was calling witnesses to testify. Remides decided to plead guilty to the charge of making a false statement to a bank instead of continuing with the trial. Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial and the guilty plea revealed that Remides was employed as a project coordinator by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to work for the non-profit Northeast Delta Resource Conservation and Development Council (NDRC&DC) in Winnsboro. From January 2001 to December 2010, Remides used the NDRC&DC accounts to pay herself $640,000 without authorization from the NDRC&DC. She wrote herself and her private business checks over the nearly 10-year period. She also obtained loans in the name of the council to cover the thefts. Loan documents were filled out stating that the council members had authorized loans at meetings when in fact they had not.
Remides faces 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and five years of supervised release for one count of making a false statement to a bank. Sentencing has been set for Oct. 7, 2013.
The USDA-Office of Inspector General in Jackson, Miss., and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Juan Carlos Curiel, 22, Missouri City, Texas, was sentenced Wednesday to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography. Curiel is also required to complete five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Curiel pleaded guilty on April 12, 2012.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, after obtaining a warrant, authorities searched an email account Curiel used. Authorities discovered the email account contained 30 images or videos of child pornography. A search of Curiel’s home Oct. 5, 2011 turned up over 100 videos and images of child pornography on laptops, a desktop computer and other computer storage devices. Curiel admitted that he downloaded many of the images on the computers using an online file-sharing program.
“The defendant’s actions furthered the spread of child pornography and promoted the abuse of the children used to produce it,” Finley said. “Hopefully, this case demonstrates that child predators will be brought to justice. We will continue to prosecute these cases. The safety of the children in this community is a priority for the Western District.”The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Howard C. Parker 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 and to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lafayette FBI office number is (337) 233-2164.
Ball Man Sentenced for Growing/Selling MarijuanaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Sidney Earl Wheeler III, 33, of Ball, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 24 months in prison and four years supervised release for manufacture and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities received an anonymous tip that someone in a Ball, La., residence might be growing marijuana plants in a building behind a home. After conducting surveillance of the residence and obtaining a search warrant, authorities discovered two hidden rooms in the building behind the house on June 7, 2012. The rooms contained marijuana plants in various growth stages as well as equipment and materials used to cultivate marijuana. Inside the house, hydrocodone, an AK-47 and ammunition were found. Authorities found more than 100 marijuana plants on the property. At the time of the search, Wheeler was found in the building and was arrested. Wheeler pleaded guilty March 4, 2013."This defendant’s drug production and distribution operation was a violation of the law,” Finley stated. “This illegal activity was uncovered thanks to the help of a concerned citizen and investigators who cared about this community. We hope this serves as a deterrent to those who try to profit from illegal drug production.”
The Louisiana State Police and the FBI-Central Louisiana Gang Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Attempting to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Emery Weyland Graham, 43, of Longview, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 188 months in prison for attempting to produce child pornography. Graham is also required to complete 10 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Graham pleaded guilty on Feb. 19, 2013.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, the Youngsville Police Department received a complaint on Sept. 13, 2011 from a mother that her daughter had been sent sexually explicit messages by a 41-year-old man using a cell phone. Police confiscated the phone, and an undercover officer posed as the 13-year old girl, through texts, to continue communication with Graham. Graham sent sexually explicit messages about sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the girl and asked the girl to send him sexually explicit images of herself. He instructed the minor on how to take the pictures and provided details of the images he wanted. Graham was arrested on Oct. 5, 2011.
“Prosecuting internet predators is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Finley stated. “This sentence should send the message that there are serious consequences for attempting to exploit children. Predators who seek to rob the innocence of children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”Homeland Security Investigations, Youngsville Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case with assistance from the Texas Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie 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 and to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Milton Man Sentenced for Illegally Receiving Nearly $325,000 in Social Security PaymentsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Randy P. Courville, 53, of Milton, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to serve 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for theft of government money. The judge also ordered Courville to pay $324,818 in restitution.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Courville received Social Security disability payments from early 1995 until March 2012, even though he continuously worked as a self-employed painter. He owned his own business called R.T.’s Painting, which was later changed to Affordable Painting. Courville’s wife and three children also received benefits during this time. Courville was notified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that if his medical condition improved and if he was able to go back to work, he was obligated to immediately notify the SSA. At no time between 1995 and 2012 did the defendant notify SSA that he was able to work or that he had completed any type of work. Courville pleaded guilty on Feb. 15, 2013.United States Attorney Finley stated, “There are many people who are disabled and need Social Security to make ends meet as they struggle to get back on their feet. This defendant was motivated by greed and made a conscious decision to lie about his ability to work. We will continue to prosecute these types of cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Uebinger prosecuted the case.Men Sentenced for Possession of Fake Credit CardsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Jose Antonio Abreu-Arbolaez, 38, of Cuba, and Yoany Quesada-Romero, 29, of Tampa, Fla., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to each serve 10 months in prison and one year of supervised release for conspiracy to possess more than 15 counterfeit credit cards.
Documents filed into the court record during the guilty plea state that while traveling from Florida to Louisiana on Sept. 26, 2012 to Sept. 28, 2012, Abreu-Arbolaez and Quesada-Romero used counterfeit credit cards to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards. On Sept. 28, 2012, security at a Lafayette Wal-Mart contacted authorities and advised them that Abreu-Arbolaez and Quesada-Romero were using stolen or counterfeit credit cards to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards in and around the Lafayette area.Both were arrested Sept. 28, 2012, in the parking lot of Wal-Mart on West Pinhook Road in Lafayette. During a search of their minivan, 34 counterfeit credit cards displaying Abreu-Arbolaez’s name and 17 fake cards displaying Quesada-Romero’s name were found. The magnetic strips on the back of the counterfeit cards contained information related to real financial institutions that were improperly charged $9,729 for the Wal-Mart gift cards purchased by the defendants. The defendants pleaded guilty March 14, 2013.
“These defendants defrauded private citizens, financial institutions, and a retail business,” Finley said. “We will prosecute anyone who illegally uses other people’s credit to enrich themselves. I want to thank the company’s security personnel and the agencies involved for assisting in bringing the defendants to justice.”
The U.S. Secret Service and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Identity Fraud, Passport Fraud, Possession of Stolen Goods, and Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced thatWilliam Lyman Agnew, 55, of Cripple Creek, Colo., was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Tom Stagg, to 51 months in prison with three years supervised release for identity fraud, passport fraud, possession of stolen goods, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to evidence presented in court hearings, Agnew fled Cripple Creek, Colo., after stealing property and possessions from a residence there in October 2010. Agnew came to Louisiana in January 2011. While in Louisiana, he obtained and used four false identities and obtained driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and other forms of identification. He also attempted to obtain a U.S. Passport using one of his false identities. The FBI in Monroe, La., discovered Agnew was living and working in Monroe at a local business and arrested Agnew on April 3, 2012. After Agnew’s arrest, many of the items stolen in Colorado were found and seized by federal agents at a storage unit in Monroe that Agnew had rented under one of his false names.The Cripple Creek, Colo., Police Department; the ATF in Colorado and Louisiana; the FBI, the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General; and the U.S. Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.
Washington State Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Attempting to Send Obscene Images to A MinorRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Michael David Honan, 59, of Gig Harbor, Wash., was sentenced to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik for attempting to send obscene materials to a minor. Honan is also required to complete three years of supervised release and pay a $4,000 fine. Honan pleaded guilty on Nov. 27, 2012.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Honan, who traveled to Houma, La., from Washington state for work, engaged in online communication from August 2011 to September 2011 with what he thought was a 14-year-old girl. It was in fact an undercover law enforcement officer. Honan admitted to sending obscene images of himself via webcam and directing who he thought was a 14-year-old girl to websites displaying pornography. Honan was arrested in a Houma hotel Sept. 16, 2011 while chatting online with an undercover officer.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Lafayette Police Department and the Houma Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie 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 http://www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.
U.S. Attorney's Office Donates 132 Phones to St. Landry Parish Sheriff's OfficeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that 132 phones have been donated to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, which has helped Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz realize savings of more than $20,800 for his office.
“I am happy that the Sheriff’s Office is able to use these phones,” Finley said. “The residents we serve will see this technology used to increase law enforcement operations in the Western District of Louisiana. Anything that we can do to help our law enforcement partners, benefits the whole community.”
“The phones will be a useful tool at the new sheriff’s office complex,” Guidroz stated. “We hope to be in our new Law-Enforcement Complex by Christmas 2014, and having these new phones installed there will save us money and add a new dimension to our interoffice communications. I am grateful that U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley has decided to donate this $20,800 cache of telephones to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. The phones are speaker phones with alpha numeric display that shows a clock, calendar and call timer.”
Two Sentenced for Involvement in an International Criminal Network That Sexually Exploited ChildrenRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that two additional defendants were sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for their involvement in an international criminal network organized to sexually exploit children in connection with their participation in the Dreamboard child exploitation bulletin board.
Todd Stumpf, 61, of Buffalo, N.Y., was sentenced to 20 years in prison with five years of supervised release for engaging in a childhood exploitation enterprise. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Stumpf joined Dreamboard on Jan. 19, 2008. He posted 1,042 posts and many contained child pornography.William Jewell, 44, of Burbank, Ill., was sentenced to 20 years in prison with a lifetime of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Jewell joined Dreamboard on May 8, 2010. During his time using the site, he posted 13 advertisements offering to distribute child pornography and five of the posts contained child pornography. He also posted six posts to another section of the site and some contained images of prepubescent children engaging in sexual activities.
Stumpf and Jewell were charged in an indictment unsealed on Aug. 3, 2011. The charges are the result of Operation Delego, an ongoing investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard. Dreamboard was a members-only bulletin board that was created and operated to promote pedophilia and encourage the sexual abuse of very young children in an environment designed to avoid law enforcement detection.A total of 72 individuals, including Stumpf and Jewell, have been charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of the 72 charged defendants have been arrested in the United States and abroad. Forty-seven individuals have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial. Forty-six of the 48 individuals who have pleaded guilty or found guilty for their roles in the conspiracy have been sentenced to prison and have received sentences ranging between five years to life in prison. Three defendants have received life sentences, including one who was convicted at trial. Fifteen of the 72 charged individuals remain at large and are known only by their online identities. Efforts to identify and apprehend these individuals continue. Operation Delego represents the largest prosecution to date in the United States of individuals who participated in an online bulletin board conceived and operated for the sole purpose of promoting child sexual abuse, disseminating child pornography and evading law enforcement.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Keith Becker of CEOS. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The investigation was conducted by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, CEOS, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE attaches offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.The investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to identify, investigate and arrest those who prey on children, including human traffickers, international sex tourists, Internet pornographers and foreign-national predators whose crimes make them deportable.
ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at http://www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
Shreveport Doctor Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced thatEdozie Chukwudinma Okereke, 57, of Shreveport, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 21 months in federal prison with three years supervised release for health care fraud. Okereke was also ordered to pay $679,836 in restitution to Medicare.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Okereke, who was the owner/operator of Family Foot and Ankle Clinic, was a doctor of podiatric medicine for patients at the Shreveport clinic, and he was responsible for making sure that the correct treatment was billed by accurately submitting claims for the treatments and services he performed. Starting in 2005, Okereke submitted billing codes for treatment not covered under Medicare. Okereke was providing routine foot care, such as toenail clipping, and then “upcoding” or submitting codes for services that Medicare would cover.
“The defendant’s scheme was designed to defraud a government program that provided medical services to the elderly and the disabled,” U.S. Attorney Finley stated. “His actions were detrimental to the program and ultimately hurt U.S. taxpayers. This office will continue to vigorously pursue charges against those who steal from these types of programs.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Inmates Sentenced for Assaulting Fellow InmateRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that A’bleza Skyler Oakie, 24, of Sioux Fall, S.D., and Shannon Fernando Lewis, 27, of Sells, Ariz., were sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to five years and six months in prison, respectively, for assaulting a fellow inmate. Oakie was also ordered to serve three years and Lewis one year of supervised release following incarceration.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Oakie and Lewis entered the cell of an inmate on Oct. 28, 2011, while incarcerated at the Federal Penitentiary in Pollock, La. After they left the cell, the inmate was seen staggering out. It was determined that the inmate suffered severe injuries and was sent to various medical centers for treatment. The inmate remains in medical care because of the injuries he sustained.On March 4, 2013, Oakie pleaded guilty to assault and Lewis pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault. Oakie is currently serving a manslaughter sentence, and Lewis is serving a murder sentence. The prison time for the assault charges will run consecutive to the charges they are now serving, and the supervised release will run concurrent.
The FBI-Alexandria, La., Resident Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Senior Litigation Counsel Joseph G. Jarzabek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. France prosecuted the case.
Fort Polk Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder, Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Marcus Patterson Carey, 28, of Fort Polk, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to second degree murder of one soldier and attempted murder of another soldier at the Fort Polk Military Reservation.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Carey admitted that on June 19, 2010 he killed one victim at Fort Polk by striking the person with a hammer and stabbing the person multiple times. He also admitted to attempting to kill a second person by striking that person with a hammer and stabbing that person multiple times.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 19, 2013. 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 are prosecuting the case.
Car Dealership Office Manager Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Dianne Handy, 43, of Alexandria, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to four months in prison with five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $101,017 in restitution for defrauding Leglue Nissan. Handy was the office manager for Leglue. The judge also ordered Handy to perform 100 hours of community service and not to gamble or game.
Handy was sentenced for one count of bank fraud involving credit card transactions she processed through Peoples State Bank. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Handy fraudulently caused Leglue Nissan in Alexandria to issue unauthorized refunds to her own credit cards more than 72 times between July 2009 and July 2011 for a total of $57,894. As office manager, Handy was responsible for handling the dealership’s daily cash deposits, processing credit card transactions and making salary payments. The court ordered restitution included the amount for the federal charges as well as an additional amount for other losses associated with additional criminal conduct related to Count 1, all while she was employed at Leglue Nissan. Handy pleaded guilty Jan. 30, 2013.The U.S. Secret Service, Baton Rouge Office, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.
Indian National Convicted for Resisting Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found Pal Sat, 42, of India, guilty of two counts of impeding or hampering his deportation. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial.
The defendant’s trial started Thursday and ended this afternoon with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for 45 minutes. Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that on Sept. 12, 2012 and Oct. 16, 2012, U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents (IEA) brought the defendant to the Alexandria International Airport and attempted to put him on a commercial flight. The defendant began verbally and physically resisting officers, which prevented him from boarding the flight because of airline and Transportation Security Administration policies.
"The defendant’s actions showed that he had little respect for the law in this matter,” Finley stated. “His refusal to comply with lawful deportation orders on multiple occasions caused unnecessary cost to the taxpayers.”
Sat faces four years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for each count. Sentencing has been set for Sept. 27, 2013.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. France and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. are prosecuting the case.Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney Speaks to Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School StudentsRead the Press Release
Alexandria, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley visited with Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School students last week in Alexandria, La. Ms. Finley was the featured speaker at an event held on the evening of May 24, 2013 for young women who are members of “Girls With Purpose” and their mothers. The Mother and Daughter Tea of Excellence marked a successful year of membership and school involvement for the girls in attendance.
Girls With Purpose is a mentoring group for young women who attend Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School. The group meets weekly and promotes the values of a good education and self-esteem. Dr. Norvella Williams, the Principal of Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School, started the organization to encourage young girls to stay focused, excel academically, attend college and make good career choices.
United States Attorney Finley spoke to the girls and their mothers about her job as the chief law enforcement officer for the district and her local connection. Finley was born in Pineville and spent her formative years in the Cenla area, attending St. Frances Cabrini School and Pineville High School. She discussed challenges that all young people face. She encouraged the girls to reach for the stars and shared with them that if they work hard, make good grades and stay focused, they are bound to succeed.
“I am honored to be invited to speak to these young women,” Finley said. "My life has been filled with great teachers and mentors. This organization should be commended for their efforts to steer these young ladies in the right direction. I always try to meet with young people and encourage them to dream big and remind them that there is not anything they can’t do. We all can do a little to try to be positive influences. These children have so many distractions; anything that I can do or say to help them focus and assist these great educators, I am more than happy to do so.”
Jury Finds Ferriday Drug Traffickers Guilty of Meth Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a jury found Maurice T. Smith, 33, and Chavo T. Thomas, 30, both of Ferriday, La., guilty for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States Chief District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial. Both defendants face mandatory life sentences.
The trial started Tuesday and ended today with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for an hour and 20 minutes. The jury found that Smith and Thomas conspired with others to travel to California in October 2011 to buy methamphetamine. The defendants were arrested in Brookhaven, Miss., while traveling on a train with 2 pounds of pure methamphetamine intended to be sold 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.”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. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Seth Reeg prosecuted the case.Abbeville Drug Distribution Conspirator SentencedRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Jose Manuel Mojica-Echeverria, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to 24 months in prison plus three years supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Mojica-Echeverria and Ramon Guadalupe Aldama-Rodriguez, who were residing in Lafayette, conspired with two residents of Abbeville, Jesus Silverio Cervantes and Joel Sotomayor Cervantes, on June 13, 2010, to drive a truck loaded with 2 kilograms of cocaine and 360 grams of heroin to Baton Rouge. Aldama-Rodriguez drove the truck, and Mojica-Echeverria rode with him, while Jesus Silverio Cervantes and Joel Sotomayor Cervantes followed in another vehicle. Authorities stopped the truck during a traffic stop. Mojica-Echeverria pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2012.
“The successful prosecution of this case is a result local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together with our prosecutors to bring drug traffickers to justice,” Finley stated. “These defendants’ attempt to smuggle kilos of cocaine and heroin into the Acadiana region was foiled because of the hard work and dedication of the agencies involved and their commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Mojica-Echeverria was arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The DEA, the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in this OCDETF investigation.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett L. Grayson prosecuted the case.Two Houma Residents Sentenced for Prison EscapeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Craig Boudreaux, 34, and Perrine Santoy, 30, both of Houma, La., were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell to six months in prison. Boudreaux was charged with escape from custody and Santoy with accessory after the fact. Each will also serve two years and one year of supervised release.
According to evidence provided at the guilty plea, Boudreaux was incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., serving a 14-year prison sentence for a drug distribution charge. Boudreaux and Santoy started communicating online on Oct. 6, 2012. Shortly thereafter, Santoy picked Boudreaux up from the Federal Corrections Complex, Pollock Camp on Oct. 24, 2012. The two did not return by the mandated time. Penitentiary staff discovered that Boudreaux was missing and executed search procedures. Boudreaux turned himself in to authorities the next day. Santoy was arrested in December 2012.
Boudreaux and Santoy pleaded guilty on Feb. 7, 2013. Today’s sentence will run consecutive to the time remaining on Boudreaux’s prior term of incarceration. Boudreaux’ two years of supervised release will also run consecutive to the five years of supervised release he received for the drug charge.
The Biloxi Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals, FBI-Alexandria Resident Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Robert J. France prosecuted the case.Shreveport/Bossier Real Estate Agents Sentenced for Predatory Home Sale PracticesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Scott Rister, 43, of Shreveport, and William Clay Goodwin, 43, of Bossier City, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to serve six months in prison and two years of supervised release for mail fraud. The judge also ordered them to pay $8,150 in restitution to victims of the scheme.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Rister and Goodwin worked together to arrange short sales of residential real estate in the Shreveport/Bossier area. They identified residential property owners whose homes were scheduled for foreclosure or in bankruptcy. Rister offered to arrange short sales for their homes and informed them that Goodwin would attempt to negotiate with the financial institution that held the mortgage to settle the outstanding mortgage. Rister also told the home owners that the home owners would not see a profit from the short sales, and added that Rister and Goodwin’s only compensation was a broker’s commission, which was typically 5 to 6 percent of the sales price. However, Rister and Goodwin included fees and liens on the HUD-1 settlement statements without the home owners’ knowledge, permission or consent. The fees and liens were listed in favor of LLCs created and owned by Rister and Goodwin.
“The defendants took advantage of those who were caught in tough financial situations,” Finley said. “They used their knowledge of the real estate industry to add extra costs without informing the customers involved of the charges. We hope this serves as a reminder to those who would exploit home owners that our office will continue to prosecute cases such as this to the fullest extent of the law.”
Rister pleaded guilty to the mail fraud count Oct. 30, 2012, and Goodwin pleaded guilty Jan. 15, 2013.The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Nigerian National Convicted for Resisting Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Emmanuel Nwankwo, 54, of Nigeria, was found guilty by a federal jury for impeding or hampering his deportation. U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial.
Nwankwo’s trial started Monday and ended this morning with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for 14 minutes. Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents (IEA) brought the defendant to the Alexandria International Airport on Dec. 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.
Nwankwo faces four years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for each count. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 13, 2013.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and Cytheria D. Jernigan are prosecuting the case.Former School Board Member Sentenced for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that former DeSoto Parish School Board member Bartholomew Claiborne, 31, of Mansfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to one year and one day in prison and three years supervised release for distributing cocaine.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Claiborne distributed cocaine and other controlled substances on 14 separate occasions between Oct. 11, 2011 and July 12, 2012. Authorities used surveillance methods to observe Claiborne selling cocaine.“As an elected official, Bartholomew Claiborne swore to uphold the law, and by his own admission, failed to do so,” Finley stated. “He has failed the children and parents of the school board district where he served as a role model. We hope this case sends a message that public officials are not above the law. We will continue to prosecute those who violate federal laws. I would like to thank all of the federal, state and local agencies who participated in the investigation.”
Claiborne was the first to be indicted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) “Operation Limpiar Casa,” an operation targeting drug trafficking in the Mansfield area. The FBI, the DEA, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Mansfield Police Department and the Tri-Parish Task Force which includes DeSoto, Sabine and Red River parishes, participate in the OCDETF program and conducted the 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.First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook prosecuted the case.
New Iberia Woman Sentenced to 26 Months in Prison for IRS Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Veta Thompson, 40, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced on May 17, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to 26 months in prison with one year supervised release for filing claims with the IRS and receiving tax refunds she was not owed. Judge Foote also ordered her to pay $77,349.09 in restitution to the IRS.
According to evidence presented during the guilty plea, Thompson contacted the IRS on Jan. 15, 2008 and asked how overpayments were handled. From Jan. 15, 2008 until April 29, 2010, she submitted 386 payments to the IRS totaling $12,825,992.33. During the time she submitted the payments, she was aware of the fact that she had no tax liability and that no money was owed to her by the IRS. Thompson’s bank rejected her payments to the IRS because her account was closed or because of insufficient funds. Prior to the IRS becoming aware that the payments were drawn from closed or insufficient fund accounts, the IRS issued nine refund checks totaling $77,349.09. They were mailed to her home and were used for gambling related expenses.
“This defendant fraudulently obtained money that she was not entitled to receive,” Finley said. “Her dishonest conduct has resulted in significant jail time. This office will continue to prosecute those who abuse and violate the tax laws.”
The IRS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.