Western District of Louisiana

LAKE CHARLES, La. –  Two men were sentenced today for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following defendants:

Gregory Dewayne McCummings, 34, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, with credit for time served.  According to information introduced in court, McCummings was involved in a traffic stop with deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. During the encounter, McCummings was searched, and deputies found a clear plastic baggie in his pants pocket. He admitted that the baggie was used to store marijuana and previously did contain marijuana. Inside his vehicle, deputies found a backpack with a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber firearm, a large plastic baggie containing multiple smaller plastic baggies with suspected marijuana, a clear plastic bottle containing a liquid believed to be PCP, and a clear plastic bottle containing suspected ecstasy pills. McCummings has a prior felony conviction and knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to the charge on May 31, 2023.

Melvin Blake, Jr., 30, of Lake Charles. Blake was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, with credit for time served. On November 2, 2021, detectives with Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a permitted search of a residence on Ellis Street in Lake Charles, wherein Blake was present. Deputies recovered a Smith & Wesson, Model 910, 9mm semi-automatic pistol from the bedroom. Blake admitted that the firearm belonged to him and that he had purchased it from someone for $150. He has a prior felony conviction and knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearm. Blake pleaded guilty to the charge on May 31, 2023.

These two cases were investigated by ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Demetrius Demontrae Richmond, 26, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote. Richmond was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. 

According to information presented in court, Richmond began obtaining cocaine and crack cocaine from an individual in approximately January 2020. Richmond would purchase the narcotics from this individual at various places in Shreveport and then distribute to other individuals. Richmond admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 267 grams of powder cocaine and 72 grams of crack cocaine.

The case was investigated by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.

The investigation and conviction of Richmond is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Jason Eric Lott, 40, of the Acadiana area in Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 360 months (30 years) in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child pornography.

Lott developed a relationship with a 12-year-old minor female. Unbeknownst to the minor victim’s parents, Lott began engaging in a sexual relationship with the victim. In addition, Lott produced images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct with him.

The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Luke Walker.

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 combines 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.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced today that the Western District of Louisiana’s United States Attorney’s Office Annual Training and Leadership Development Conference will be held September 20-22, 2023, at the Bossier Parish Sheriff Substation in Bossier City, LA.  The district is headquartered in Shreveport with approximately 50 employees and has a branch office in Lafayette with roughly another 40 employees. The annual conference is the only time over the course of each fiscal year when the District’s employees convene in one location and the conference usually rotates between the Shreveport and Lafayette areas. 

Sheriff Julian Whittington assisted U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown with the opening of the conference. The remainder of the agenda for the conference included presentations by: Chief District Judge Terry Doughty, General Counsel for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Jay Macklin, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Marvin Richardson EOUSA White Collar Crime & Covid-19 Fraud Coordinator Mandy Riedel and EOUSA Attorney Advisor Cristina Burbach.  Additionally, Britney Green, Susette Bryant and retired Assistant United States Attorney William J. Flanagan will conduct leadership development sessions and renowned trial attorney, Roger Dodd of the Dodd Trial Skills Clinic will instruct on cross examination strategy and techniques.

The conference also included several team building exercises and for the first time a district award’s luncheon. During the luncheon, US Attorney Brown recognized the exceptional work of federal, state and local law enforcement officers, Assistant United States Attorneys and members of the district’s professional staff for their efforts in outstanding investigations, prosecutions, appellate advocacy and leadership over the last fiscal year.  “Over the years, we have given out awards at our conference, but I wanted to put more of an emphasis on the awardees’ work this year with a luncheon.  Every day, the men and women of this district have accepted the calling to show up and give the government an honest day’s work and it is incumbent upon upper management to celebrate them for their achievements.  Likewise, law enforcement officers across the district have collaborated with us as partners to help keep our communities safe, hold those accountable who defraud the government and those who violate the civil rights of the citizens of this district,” said United States Attorney Brown. “Today’s awardees exemplify that it takes a team effort from our attorneys, professional staff and our law enforcement partners to support and defend the Constitution of the United States to the best of our ability.” 

The following case related awards were announced by U.S. Attorney Brown:

Outstanding Appellate Award

Awarded to the following for outstanding appellate advocacy in the prosecution of United States v. William Holdman.

Recipients:     Assistant United States Attorney Michael Shannon

                        Assistant United States Attorney Forrest Phillips

                        Legal Assistant Stephanie Stewart

                        Paralegal Specialist Lisa Alwert

                        Special Agent Brad Rabalais, U.S. Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

                        Game Warden Kurt Hatten, LA Department of Wildlife & Fisheries

Outstanding Affirmative Civil Enforcement Award

Awarded to the following for the investigative and prosecutive efforts in a civil action to recover government money lost to fraud and other misconduct in the matter of  US ex rel Goodley, Acadiana Management Group, Lafayette Physical Rehabilitation Hospital & Dr. Carolyn Smith.

Recipients:     Assistant United States Attorney Missy Theriot

                        Legal Assistant Tanya Trahan

                        Special Agent Rita Bergeron, Department of Health & Human Services

Outstanding Defensive Litigation Award

Awarded to the following for the civil defensive employment law litigation on behalf of the United States in the matter of Steven Katz v. Christine Wormuth.

Recipients:     Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Frederick

                        Paralegal Specialist Terri Comeaux

Outstanding Civil Rights Prosecution Award

Awarded to the following for superior investigative and prosecutive performance in the hate crime related matter of United States v. Chance Seneca.

Recipients:     Deputy Criminal Chief Myers Namie

                        Former Assistant United States Attorney Robert Abendroth

                        Legal Administrative Specialist Melissa Morris

                        Paralegal Specialist Jennifer Broussard

                        Special Agent Dan English (Ret.), Federal Bureau of Investigation

Outstanding Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force/Narcotics Prosecution Award

Awarded to the following for superior performance in the thwarting of drug/narcotics trafficking in the matter of United States v. Brian Broussard.

Recipients:     Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Vermaelen

                        Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon

                        Special Agent Doug Herman, Federal Bureau of Investigation

                        Special Agent Bobby Bodin, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

Outstanding Public Corruption Prosecution Award

Awarded to the following for an investigation revealing conduct that affected government integrity and/or offenses involving public official misconduct in the prosecution of United States v. Harold Wayne Sanford, Jr.

Recipients:     Special Counsel to United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook

                        Legal Assistant Kristi Viola

                        Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot

                        Legal Administrative Specialist Ginger Green

                        Legal Administrative Specialist Melissa Morris

                        Secretary to USA Tanya’ Porter

                        Victim Witness Coordinator Vicki Chance

                        Special Agent Raquel Mobley, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Outstanding Violent Crime/Domestic Terrorism Prosecution Award

Awarded to the following for outstanding performance in an investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of an individual who committed acts of violent crime in the  prosecution of United States v. Daniel Aikens.

Recipients:     Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla Bynog

                        Assistant United States Attorney Daniel McCoy

                        Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte Murphy

                        Paralegal Specialist Emily Lanphier

                        Legal Administrative Specialist Melissa Morris

                        Victim Witness Coordinator Vicki Chance

                        Special Agent Theresa Mesa, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

                        Special Agent Andrew Erdmann, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

Outstanding White Collar Fraud Prosecution Award

Awarded to the following for outstanding performance in white collar crime involving bankruptcy fraud and tax evasion in the prosecution of United States v. Joseph Boswell.

Recipients:     Assistant United States Attorney Cytheria Jernigan

                        Criminal Chief Earl Campbell

                        Paralegal Specialist Emily Lanphier

                        Legal Administrative Specialist Laura Borque

                        Victim Witness Coordinator Vicki Chance

                        Special Agent Cory Moton, Internal Revenue Service

                        Special Agent Holly Deshotel, Internal Revenue Service

Outstanding White Collar Fraud Prosecution Award

Awarded to the following for outstanding performance in white collar crime involving Cares Act (Covid-19) fraud in the prosecution of United States v. Michael A. Tolliver.

Recipients:     Assistant United States Attorney Seth Reeg

                        Legal Assistant Kristi Viola

                        Special Agent Darrin Heusel, Internal Revenue Service.

Additional federal, state and local law enforcement officers were also recognized for overall exemplary performance in violent crime investigative efforts and they are as follows:  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Special Agent Christina Curtis, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Travis Coyman, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Heath White, Deputies Steven Shankle and Erik Wikstrom of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Brent Young of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Detective Anthony Cowan of the Monroe Police Department, and Shreveport Police Department officers/analysts Stacy Coleman, Sara Gilmour, Erin Heflin, Donald Henry and Brent Ouzts.

Lastly, in late 2022, US Attorney Brown convened a community advisory group called “Focusing on the Future” that U.S. Attorney Brown meets with on a monthly basis.  This group will be recognized for their contributions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in an advisory role in terms of violent crime prevention strategies and civil rights awareness matters. Members of that group are: Mario Chavez, MersaTech; Dr. Jerome Cox, We Care Ministries Outreach Program; Dr. Lamar Goree, Caddo Parish Schools; Dr. John Henson, Church for the Highlands; Dr. Theron Jackson, Morning Star Baptist Church; Ms. Von Jennings, City of Shreveport; Rev. Lee Jeter, Bossier Parish NAACP; Mansfield Mayor Thomas Jones, Ms. Debbie Martin, Roberts & Murphy, Inc.; Dr. Russell Minor, Community Renewal; Dr. Heath Peloquin, Summer Grove Baptist Church; Oil City Mayor James Sims; Clay Walker, Caddo Parish Assistant Administrator; Billy Wayne, Urban Support Agency, Inc.; and Ryan Williams, Seedlinks Behavioral Management. “I have learned a great deal this year from this group, and they have educated me on ways prosecutors, law enforcement and the community can work together for the common good.  Simultaneously, my goal was to educate the group on how the Department of Justice and our local district functions so that citizens will start to have a better understanding of what our purpose is and why we exist,” said U.S. Attorney Brown.

For more information on the Western District of Louisiana’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

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LAFAYETTE, La. – Eric Martin, 36, of Ethel, Louisiana, was sentenced today for possession of methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Martin to 274 months (22 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Martin was charged in an indictment in January 2023 with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to evidence presented to the court, on July 13, 2022, members of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding and the driver and lone occupant was identified as Martin. During the traffic stop, law enforcement officers observed the odor of marijuana emitting from inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Martin was questioned by officers. Martin admitted that marijuana could be located inside a blue backpack located on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, and officers located approximately 26 grams of marijuana on the front passenger seat. In addition, approximately 18 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine was found on the back seat of the vehicle, within the reach of Martin. A presumptive test of the suspected methamphetamine returned a positive result for the presence of methamphetamine. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the DEA laboratory for testing and had a result indicating the substance had a net weight of 16.96 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Martin has a criminal history including convictions for negligent homicide and accessory after the fact to aggravated second degree battery.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaDonte A. Murphy and Craig R. Bordelon.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the resolution of three cases in the Lake Charles Division. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following defendants yesterday:

Casey Soldier, 27, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for the unlawful shipment, transfer, receipt, or possession of firearm by a convicted felon. This charge stems from the discovery of 16 firearms, 3,350 rounds of various ammunition, and a dual drum magazine, all found in Soldier’s residence during the execution of a search warrant. In addition, law enforcement officers found and seized approximately 53 pounds of marijuana, 171 pounds of THC candy and edibles, 3.9 pounds of THC wax and oils, $25,284 in cash, and other documents from Soldier’s residence. During a search of Soldier’s truck which was parked outside of the residence, agents found an additional Glock 17, 9mm pistol. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that the firearms all traveled in interstate commerce and operated as firearms. Soldier was a convicted felon and knew he was prohibited from having any firearm or ammunition in his possession. He pleaded guilty to the charge on May 22, 2023.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force in Calcasieu Parish and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

Dexter Oniel Mayes, 36, of Eunice, was sentenced to 140 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Mayes pleaded guilty on May 9, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This charge stems from a traffic stop which was conducted on Mayes’ vehicle for a switched plates violation on May 18, 2019, as he was traveling from Houston to Louisiana. As officers approached the vehicle, they smelled the odor of marijuana and both Mayes and his passenger were detained while officers searched the vehicle. Inside the trunk were 12 ziploc bags containing suspected methamphetamine which weighed approximately 25 pounds. The narcotics were sent to the DEA Laboratory for analysis and were confirmed to contain methamphetamine with a total weight of 11,867 grams.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Eunice Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog.

In another case, Harris J. Boudreaux, 43, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On November 27, 2022, a U.S. Probation Officer made an unannounced contact visit at Boudreaux’s residence in Calcasieu Parish to monitor his compliance with his conditions of probation and to verify his residence.  During the inspection, the Probation Officer observed a Glock 45 firearm in plain view on the coffee table in the living room.  The Probation Officer secured the firearm and contacted 9-1-1 to have Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies arrive to arrest Boudreaux. He admitted to the Probation Officer that the firearm belonged to him. Boudreaux pleaded guilty on June 21, 2023, and admitted that he possessed the firearm knowing that he was prohibited from doing so because he was a convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the ATF, U.S. Probation Office, and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Tydarrien T. Porter, 21, of Shreveport, has been sentenced for possession of a machine gun, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Porter to 84 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented to the court, on April 13, 2022, an officer with the Shreveport Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Porter. The officer observed Porter leaning down as if to place or reach for something under the driver’s seat. Another officer made contact with the other occupants of the vehicle on the passenger side and observed a firearm in the back seat between the legs of a male passenger in the back seat of the vehicle. Two females were also in the vehicle. The officer ordered the occupants to exit the vehicle and a search was conducted. Officers located a second firearm in front of where one of the female occupants was sitting. In addition, officers seized 23 grams of marijuana found under the driver’s seat. In all, three firearms were found and seized, a Joe Bob Outfitters AR pistol, a Draco pistol, and a Glock pistol. The Joe Bob Outfitters AR pistol was found to have a drop-in auto sear inserted inside, a device which converted the pistol into a machine gun.

Porter admitted to officers that the AR pistol and marijuana found inside the car belonged to him. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with possession of a machine gun and Porter pleaded guilty to the charge on April 3, 2023.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana recently notified the public through a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that there is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to persons found with Glock switches, auto sears, or firearms containing either. This PSA can be viewed on the district’s YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAICRba4034.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of Kentrell Knighten, 39, of New Orleans, for coercion of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Knighten to 121 months (10 years, 1 month) in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.

On September 13, 2022, the friend of a 15-year-old female high school student (“minor victim”) observed Knighten texting the minor victim. Knighten was the boyfriend of the minor victim’s mother. According to the friend, in those text messages the defendant discussed the fact that he was inquiring how much he would have to pay her to have sex with one or more of his friends from another city in Louisiana.

The minor victim’s friend told the school counselor what she had observed, and law enforcement was contacted. Law enforcement agents were able to seize and search the minor victim’s cell phone pursuant to a search warrant and interviewed the minor victim. Specific text messages were found in the phone in which Knighten asked the minor victim how much she would charge to have sex with his friends in graphic terms. These messages occurred in September 2022. In the text messages, the minor victim expressed fear of being alone with other adults. The defendant assured her that he would be in the room and that she would get paid between $75-100.  Knighten admitted to law enforcement agents that he texted with the victim and that he discussed the minor victim engaging in sexual acts with other adult men for money.

"We urge parents to be keenly aware of who they allow around their children and into their homes,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Child exploitation touches every corner of our community. This office will be vigilant in protecting our youth and prosecute all who try to disrupt the American family through criminal activity. We look forward to this defendant serving a lengthy prison sentence and an even longer period of court supervision once released.” 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Luke Walker.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – A federal grand jury in Shreveport, Louisiana, has returned a three-count indictment charging former DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO) Correctional Officer Javarrea Pouncy with federal civil rights violations for willfully using unreasonable force against a detainee, failing to obtain medical care for the detainee and obstructing justice.

According to the indictment, on September 27, 2019, Pouncy, acting in his official capacity as a DPSO correctional officer, used unreasonable force against a detainee by repeatedly striking him in the head and body without legal justification while the detainee was being booked into the DeSoto Parish jail. The indictment further alleges that the assault caused bodily injury to the detainee. In addition, the indictment alleges that Pouncy knew that the detainee had serious medical needs and willfully failed to obtain necessary medical care for him. 

The indictment also charges Pouncy with obstruction of justice for knowingly falsifying and making a false entry in a DPSO report with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence an investigation into the assault. Count one of the indictment charges Pouncy for his unreasonable use of force; count two charges Pouncy for his failure to obtain medical care; and count three charges him with filing the false report.

If convicted, Pouncy faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison each for counts one and two, and 20 years in prison for count three.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown for the Western District of Louisiana and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement. The FBI New Orleans Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

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

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LAFAYETTE, La. – Three defendants from Lafayette, Louisiana who were involved in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation have been sentenced, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following defendants:

Brandon Anderson, 30, was sentenced to 188 months (15 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on December 21, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Cord Anderson, 34, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2023, and admitted to possessing at least 350 but not more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Tory Phillips, 32, was sentenced to 88 months (7 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on December 21, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation resulted in a federal indictment against several defendants for conspiring together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the Morgan City area. Law enforcement agents began an investigation in September 2019 into the drug trafficking activities of Anderson, Phillips, and their co-defendants. During the conspiracy, Brandon Anderson supplied heroin to his co-defendants who in turn sold the heroin for profit. Agents intercepted phone calls during the court-authorized intercepts on the phone of his co-defendant, Jhailen Zeno, and observed Anderson travel to narcotics transactions with Zeno. Anderson also set up narcotics transactions and traveled to conduct the transactions. Vehicles used in these narcotics transactions were a 2014 Audi and a 2014 Range Rover.

In October 2020, law enforcement agents learned that Anderson was in Houston, Texas and during that time he was receiving phone calls from individuals in Lafayette requesting a supply of narcotics. Agents obtained a warrant to search a residence in Lafayette that Anderson had been utilizing in his drug trafficking activities. On October 21, 2020, agents executed the search warrant and located the Audi A7, and Ranger Rover seen previously, as well as a 2015 Mercedes C300. Inside the trunk of the Mercedes agents found approximately 600 grams of cocaine and 500 grams of heroin. Anderson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 1 kilogram but less than 3 kilograms of heroin.

Through their investigation, agents learned that Phillips communicated with his co-conspirators about traveling to Houston with co-defendant Kendrick James. On June 29, 2020, agents conducted surveillance of Phillips’ vehicle and observed him arrive at a residence in Houston, stay for a few minutes, and leave. Law enforcement officers with the Sulphur Police Department stopped the vehicle belonging to Phillips and conducted a traffic stop after the driver committed a traffic infraction. Officers performed a probable cause search of the vehicle and a pat down search of Phillips and James and found a bag hidden in Phillips’ groin area. The bag contained a brown substance weighing approximately 20 grams. A field test was conducted, and the substance was identified as heroin.  Phillips admitted to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

On March 10, 2020, law enforcement agents received information of an individual found in a vehicle stuck in a ditch. Agents responded and found Cord Anderson to be asleep inside the vehicle. He woke and attempted to flee from law enforcement but was apprehended. Inside the vehicle, agents found approximately 414 grams of a substance which was tested to be methamphetamine.

Five other defendants have already been sentenced in this case as follows:

Jhailen Zeno, of 27, of Lafayette, received a sentence of 85 months (7 years, 1 month) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.

Jerrick Williams was sentenced to 8 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

William Williams was sentenced to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Randy Dugas was sentenced to 8 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Ericka Guidry was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Kendrick James is the only remaining defendant to be sentenced. His sentencing has been scheduled for October 31, 2023.

The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, ATF, Sulphur Police Department and Lafayette Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel.

The investigation and conviction of these defendants is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown has announced the return of an indictment by a federal grand jury in Shreveport charging a former Shreveport Police Department Lieutenant with wire fraud.

Jeffrey L. Peters, 55, of Shreveport, was indicted and charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that on or about January 6, 2020, and continuing through at least January 19, 2021, Peters and others knowingly conspired to defraud the City of Shreveport out of funds which were designated to pay Shreveport Police Department (SPD) officers. It is alleged that Peters claimed overtime for which he had not worked and received payments for unworked overtime under the Community-Based Crime Reduction Program (CBCR).

According to the indictment, Peters and a fellow SPD officer fraudulently obtained these monies by creating and submitting falsified Reports of Overtime to the SPD. These falsified reports stated that Peters had worked overtime hours for the SPD. Officer 1 would also submit falsified Reports of Overtime to the SPD which Peters would approve as his supervisor. As part of the scheme, Peters also created and submitted Activity Reports to the SPD which falsely claimed that Peters and Officer 1 were working assignments together in Shreveport’s Police District 3, which was located in downtown Shreveport and the surrounding area, which area included the SPD Headquarters.  It is alleged that Peters himself submitted in excess of fifty (50) false reports of overtime.

The indictment further alleges that while Peters was claiming overtime in District 3, he was actually not working and was instead at various bars and restaurants in Shreveport and Bossier. These establishments were all located outside District 3.

The CBCR is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice and seeks to reduce crime and improve community safety in distressed, high-crime neighborhoods. As part of the program, CBCR awards grants to local and tribal communities to be used for, among other things, overtime for police officers. Officers at SPD were entitled to collect 1.5 times their regular rate of pay under the CBCR.

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

If convicted, Peters faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice-Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the appointment of Jason Waltman to serve as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This appointment is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office in the Shreveport Division of the Western District of Louisiana.

Due to the proliferation of gang and gun violence in the Shreveport area, U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown and Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr. have joined efforts in a unique way to fight violent crime in that area by adding a specially appointed federal prosecutor to work these types of cases. The goal is for Mr. Waltman to partner as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with the district’s Project Safe Neighborhood Program and other Assistant U.S. Attorneys to improve the program’s effectiveness in the northwest corner of the district.

“Collaboration with our state and local law enforcement and prosecutive partners is vital. For years, we have had a great partnership with the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, but we want to take our collaborative efforts the next level.  I am grateful that District Attorney Stewart is willing to share such a skilled and talented Assistant District Attorney with our office as we jointly fight to eradicate violent crime in Shreveport,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “SAUSA Jason Waltman is an extremely experienced and knowledgeable prosecutor and knows the federal court system, given he was a former federal criminal defense attorney.  Over the years, he has developed a great working relationship with our Assistant U.S. Attorneys, federal agents and task force officers, and will give us valuable insight when it comes to charging decisions and prosecutive strategy.”

“This is another example of our cooperative efforts of how we work together to serve the people of the community,” stated Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr.

Jason Waltman has worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish since 2016, where he serves as one of the office’s Section Chiefs in the Criminal Division. Prior to working at the District Attorney’s Office, SAUSA Waltman worked as a Trial Attorney with the Capital Assistance Project of Louisiana, and in private practice handling criminal, civil, and administrative law. SAUSA Waltman also previously served as an Instructor at the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Training Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Baylor University and a Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – John Michael Murphy, 36, of Many, Louisiana, was sentenced today for trafficking methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Murphy to 151 months (12 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Murphy was charged in an indictment on June 15, 2022, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine stemming from an investigation by law enforcement agents working in the Many, Louisiana area. Officers with the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team conducted an undercover purchase of 60 grams of methamphetamine from Murphy prior to November 2021 and were aware of his drug trafficking activities. Agents received information that Murphy would be traveling to get more methamphetamine and they began conducting surveillance of the vehicle in which Murphy was a passenger.  As they were following Murphy, agents lost him and requested assistance from other officers in the area to assist in locating the vehicle.

On November 16, 2021, a Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy observed the vehicle traveling on La. Highway 6 and recognized the female driver who he knew to have an expired driver’s license. The deputy activated his emergency overhead lights and initiated a traffic stop. Both the female driver and Murphy stepped out of the car and the female driver gave deputies consent to search the vehicle. Deputies conducted a pat down search of Murphy and found a large bag between his legs containing a substance suspected to be methamphetamine. The drugs were seized, and Murphy was arrested.  The suspected drugs were sent to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Crime Lab for analysis and confirmed to be approximately 136.72 grams of methamphetamine. Murphy pleaded guilty on April 11, 2023 to possessing a total of 158.35 grams of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick.

The investigation and conviction of Murphy is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing a Vivian man today for illegal possession of narcotics. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Michael Duncan, 46, to 262 months (21 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

On August 10, 2022, law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed search warrants on two residences in Vivian, both of which were rented by Duncan. The search warrants had been obtained after law enforcement agents received direct evidence that Duncan had supplied methamphetamine that was sold undercover on three occasions in July and August 2022. Agents had been able to seize the methamphetamine which had been supplied by Duncan and then sold, and sent it to the crime lab for analysis. The crime lab confirmed that the substance was in fact methamphetamine. 

During the execution of the search warrants at Duncan’s two residences, agents located a large amount of methamphetamine inside the oven in one house. In the second residence, they seized a backpack from the master bedroom which contained suspected powder cocaine, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine tablets. Agents also seized over $5,000 in U.S. Currency. The suspected narcotics were all sent to the crime lab for analysis and confirmed to be authentic.

Duncan pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on November 4, 2022.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Three Shreveport, Louisiana men have been sentenced for illegal possession of narcotics and firearms, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote conducted these sentencing hearings.

Tremaine Zyshun Russell, 28, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.  According to evidence presented to the court, officers with the Shreveport Police Department observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on February 24, 2022, around 4 a.m. and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle was being driven by a female and Russell was in the passenger seat. The officer detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and the driver and passenger were asked to step outside the car. The officer was given consent by the female driver to search the vehicle and inside he found a Glock firearm with an extended magazine and a Glock switch (a conversion device) attached. Behind the driver’s seat was a backpack containing two digital scales, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and two Adderall pills. After being read his Miranda rights, Russell admitted that the backpack, narcotics, and firearm belonged to him.

The seized narcotics were sent to the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory and confirmed to be 125 grams of marijuana, 14.92 grams of methamphetamine, and 6.35 grams of cocaine. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined and tested the firearm and found it to be a functioning firearm which had been manufactured in Austria and traveled in interstate commerce. Russell pleaded guilty on May 3, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute over 5 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and illegal possession of a machine gun. He was previously convicted of illegal possession of stolen things in 2019 and knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.

In a separate case, Christian D. Price, 20, and Devon Charles Price, 23, brothers who lived in Shreveport, were sentenced yesterday.  Christian Price was sentenced to 33 months in prison, and Devon Charles Price was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Both will serve 3 years of supervised release following their release from prison. The charges in this case stem from a visit to their residence by Louisiana Probation and Parole agents in June 2021 for a routine residence check. Upon entering the residence, agents found that Christian Price had a Glock Model 19X semiautomatic pistol loaded with 29 rounds in an extended magazine in his bedroom, as well as a 50-round drum magazine underneath his bed. While checking Devon Price’s bedroom, agents found a small bag of suspected marijuana and other small baggies commonly used in the drug trade. In addition, they discovered a Glock Model 27 .40 caliber pistol which was chambered with one round and had 13 rounds loaded in the magazine. 

Both brothers had prior felony convictions which prohibited them from having a firearm or ammunition. Christian Price has a felony conviction for attempted aggravated burglary and Devon Price has a felony conviction for theft of motor vehicles and illegal possession of stolen firearms. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and admitted to knowing they were prohibited from possessing said firearms and ammunition. Agents with the ATF examined and tested the firearms and determined they were functioning firearms which had traveled in interstate commerce.

The case was investigated by the ATF and Louisiana Probation and Parole and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the resolution of several cases involving the illegal possession of firearms. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following individuals:

Devin Blake Badon, 31, of Cameron, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Badon pleaded guilty on April 19, 2023 to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A complaint was received by the Johnson Bayou Police Department about a female whose vehicle was being followed by Badon. Deputies arrived on the scene and contacted Badon, who was non-compliant with their commands and he was subsequently placed under arrest. Inside Badon’s vehicle, deputies located three firearms. At the time of his arrest, Badon had three felony convictions, including simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, negligent homicide and criminal damage to property.  As a convicted felon, Badon was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Johnson Bayou Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog.

Demetrius Jerone Davis, 39, of Abbeville, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Davis pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022 to possession of a stolen firearm. On January 29, 2021, deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop a vehicle being driven by Davis. Davis advised deputies that he had a firearm under the driver’s seat. The firearm was seized and identified as a SCCY Model CPX-9 9mm pistol which contained 15 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen. Davis admitted to knowing the firearm was stolen and that he possessed the firearm in connection with a felony level controlled substance offense. Davis also admitted to committing the offense after having been previously convicted of felony offenses for distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, both in 2005, and distribution of cocaine in 2008.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.

Mark Edward Fee, 43, of Sulphur, was sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On October 8, 2021, investigators with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Fee’s residence where he was the sole occupant. Deputies found a Hi-Point Model C9 9mm semi-automatic pistol, along with several rounds of ammunition inside the residence. Law enforcement officers learned that the firearm had been reported stolen. Agents with the ATF analyzed the seized firearm and found it be a functioning firearm which had traveled in or affected interstate and foreign commerce. Fee was arrested and charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted to agents that he was aware that the firearm and ammunition were in his residence and knew he was prohibited from possessing them. Fee pleaded guilty to the chare on April 19, 2023.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker.

Javeon Jaron Green, 22, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In November 2020, an arrest warrant was issued for Green based on information investigators with the Lake Charles Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office had learned through their investigative efforts. On November 28, 2020, officers located Green and other associates in a hotel in Lake Charles. A search warrant was obtained and executed on the hotel rooms rented by Green and his associates. Law enforcement agents found a loaded FNX .45 caliber pistol, a loaded 9mm Glock Model 19 with extended magazine, and a loaded .45 caliber Glock Model 23C pistol. Other evidence was obtained by agents revealing photos and videos of Green possessing the handguns recovered from the hotel room and the metadata indicated they were taken on a date after Green’s prior felony conviction.  Green was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2019 in Calcasieu Parish.

The case was investigated by the ATF, Lake Charles Police Department, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of five men yesterday in the Western District of Louisiana for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the following defendants:

Monta L. Allen, 37, of Monroe, was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On January 23, 2021, officers with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle Allen was driving for a traffic violation. Allen fled from deputies and led them on a high-speed chase and was ultimately stopped. Deputies arrested Allen and seized a white plastic bag from the vehicle which contained more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. A search warrant was obtained for Allen’s residence in Monroe and law enforcement agents found a firearm, ammunition, more narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and cash. Allen later admitted to agents that he used methamphetamine and that the package found in his vehicle was his and he intended to sell it.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Weber.

John S. Lee, 41, of Tallulah, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years), followed by 3 years of supervised release. Lee pleaded guilty April 26, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These charges stem from an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Lee. During the investigation by law enforcement agents, they were able to obtain a state search warrant for Lee’s residence and on March 17, 2022, executed that warrant. Prior to execution of the warrant, agents conducted surveillance of Lee’s residence and observed him and a female leave in separate vehicles.  Both vehicles were stopped by law enforcement agents and a search of the female’s vehicle revealed a backpack containing over $10,000 in cash, two firearms, and approximately four kilograms of powder cocaine. A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of approximately 38 grams of cocaine. Lee admitted to agents that the backpack in the female’s trunk belonged to him and that he had asked her to put the items in her car. He also admitted to knowing that as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing any firearms.

The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Louisiana State Police and Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon.

Rawtavious Demon Moore, 36, of Monroe, was sentenced to 132 months (11 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On September 4, 2022, an officer with the Monroe Police Department approached Moore while he was sitting in his vehicle. The officer asked Moore to step out of the vehicle and the officer found a loaded Smith and Wesson Model 637 .38 caliber firearm inside. Agents with the ATF examined the firearm and found it be a functioning firearm and determined it had traveled in interstate commerce. Moore was a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of possession with intent to distribute MDMA in 2021, and knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the ATF and Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.

Darrick Laron Hamilton, 33, of Monroe, was sentenced to 96 months (8 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. In April of 2022, law enforcement agents with the Metro Narcotics Unit in Monroe began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Hamilton. Agents obtained evidence that Hamilton met an individual and sold and distributed approximately 5.5 grams of a substance that contained fentanyl to that party. The substance was sent to the North Louisiana Crime Lab for testing and confirmed the seized substance to contain fentanyl.

The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten.

Derrick Logwood, 23, of Monroe, was sentenced to 62 months (5 years, 2 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Logwood pleaded guilty on April 26, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On December 21, 2022, an officer with the West Monroe Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle which was being driven without working brake lights and other violations. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Logwood. The officer observed the grip of a pistol sticking out of Logwood’s pants pocket and he was ordered out of the vehicle. Officers seized a loaded Glock 23Gen5 .40 caliber pistol from Logwood’s pocket. In addition, officers detected the smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and Logwood admitted to having marijuana in a backpack on the back seat. Inside the backpack officers found three large plastic bags of suspected marijuana and a digital scale. The substance was sent to the crime lab for testing and confirmed to be marijuana with an aggregate weight of 2.00 pounds. Logwood had a previous felony conviction of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling in 2019 and knew that he was prohibited from having any firearm or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the ATF and West Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing today of a Houston man for illegal possession of methamphetamine in the Western District of Louisiana. United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Paul Powell, 29, to 135 months (11 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Powell pleaded guilty to the charge on April 21, 2023.

On September 4, 2019, law enforcement agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office observed a black Mercedes Benz being driven on the roadway without two working headlights as required by state law. The driver of the Mercedes was later determined to be Powell. Agents observed the vehicle stop at a residence and Powell went inside for a brief time, then returned to the vehicle. Law enforcement agents activated their lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but Powell refused to stop and began to flee from agents traveling at a high rate of speed. Powell continued to flee and when arriving on Elephant Walk Road in Lafayette, exited the vehicle, along with an unknown passenger and they fled on foot running through several yards and jumping several fences.  Powell was apprehended and placed in handcuffs. A probable cause search was conducted of his vehicle and agents located a digital scale and a bag containing methamphetamine. Law enforcement agents questioned Powell the next day and he admitted that the methamphetamine belonged to him.

The suspected narcotics were sent to the DEA Laboratory for analysis, and it was determined that the substance was positive for methamphetamine and had a net weight of 210 grams plus or minus 0.2 grams.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of Odis Freeman, 36, of Shreveport today. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Freeman to 102 months (8 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for illegal possession of drugs and a firearm.  Freeman pleaded guilty on March 15, 2023 to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to information introduced in court, officers with the Shreveport Police Department found Freeman in his vehicle in possession of a cigar with suspected marijuana on the center console of his vehicle, as well as a loaded Glock magazine inside the center console, a Glock, Model 30, .45 caliber pistol with an extended magazine under the driver’s side floor mat, a bag on the passenger seat which contained several suspected bags of marijuana, and another bag with packaging materials, a loaded extended magazine, and a sandwich bag full of suspected marijuana. Officers also found over $3,900 in cash in Freeman’s vehicle.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, Freeman spoke with the officers and admitted that he had additional marijuana inside his residence and a search was conducted. Officers recovered approximately 365 grams of suspected marijuana, approximately 28.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and two dosage units of alprazolam. In addition, Freeman had packaging materials used for distributing narcotics, five .45 caliber shell casings, and a digital scale with marijuana residue on it.

The seized narcotics were sent to the North Louisiana Crime Lab for testing and the suspected marijuana was confirmed. The suspected methamphetamine was determined to be substituted cathinone, a Schedule I controlled substance. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) examined the firearm and determined it was a functioning firearm.

The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Cartavious Cursshuan Pouncy, 21, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Pouncy to 20 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for illegal possession of a machine gun. Pouncy pleaded guilty to the charge on March 16, 2023.

Shreveport Police Department officers stopped a Dodge Challenger with no tags near the intersection of Hearne Avenue and Corbitt Street on May 15, 2022. Pouncy was driving the Dodge Challenger and two other individuals were inside. Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and all of the occupants were asked to exit the vehicle.  Pouncy was asked if there were narcotics or firearms inside the vehicle and he initially stated there were not. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and officers did in fact locate a Panther Arms AR Pistol, Model: DPMS, with two magazines, loaded with 63 rounds of ammunition behind the driver’s seat. Pouncy admitted post-Miranda that the firearm belonged to him, and he had purchased it a few days prior.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the firearm and discovered that it had a drop-in auto sear, a conversion device, inserted inside to make it a fully automatic machine gun. A record search was conducted of the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) and Pouncy had not registered the Panther Arms AR Pistol or any other weapon.

The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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LAFAYETTE, La. – Gabriel Bates, 33, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was sentenced today for counterfeiting, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.  United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Bates to 26 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Bates pleaded guilty to the charge on April 12, 2023.

According to evidence presented to the court, on or about August 24, 2022, officers with the Opelousas Police Department responded to a local donut shop to investigate the reported passing of a suspected counterfeit $20 bill. Through their investigation, law enforcement officers determined that Bates was the individual who passed the counterfeit bill. The United States Secret Service had conducted a separate counterfeit investigation prior to this incident in which Bates was developed as a suspect. Agents were able to secure a search warrant for his residence in Opelousas.  On August 29, 2022, officers searched the residence and located and seized numerous counterfeit United States Federal Reserve Notes in denominations of $20 and $100.  Bates was subsequently arrested and found to have an additional counterfeit $20 bill and handwritten instructions for manufacturing counterfeit currency in his pocket. The Federal Reserve Notes recovered from Bates’ residence were analyzed and determined to be in fact not genuine. 

Bates was interviewed by law enforcement agents after waiving his Miranda rights and admitted that he did manufacture counterfeit United States money and passed those counterfeit notes that he had made in several locations throughout the Opelousas area in an attempt to defraud.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and Opelousas Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Aaron Wade Knight, 31, of Noble, Louisiana, has been sentenced for making threats of violence against employees with the Sabine Medical Center (SMC) and the Veterans Administration (VA).  Knight was convicted in February 2023 by a federal jury in Shreveport.

Knight was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 27 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for making these threats of violence.  The charges Knight was convicted of stem from incidents which both occurred on June 1, 2022, when he made threats of violence against employees of the SMC in Many, Louisiana, and the VA in Shreveport and Alexandria. The first incident occurred in the morning hours of June 1 when Knight, who was living in Virginia at the time, called the VA hot line in Alexandria and spoke to a nurse who was working the call center. Knight proceeded to tell the nurse that he was upset about a bill he had received for a hospital visit a few weeks earlier at the SMC. As the conversation continued, Knight became more agitated and made the comment to her, “What do I need to do, do I need to blow up this place to get some help?” Out of concern about the threatening comments Knight made to her, the nurse contacted a patient advocate with the VA in Shreveport who had worked with Knight before.

The patient advocate then contacted Knight out of concern about the comments he had made moments earlier to the nurse. During the phone call, Knight became angry with the patient advocate and began to shout and made the following threatening statement to her, “do I need to go up there and shoot these motherf***rs in the f***ing face.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Many Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Andrew Weber.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Roderick Agnes, 42, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced in U.S. District Court, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Agnes to 112 months (9 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to evidence presented to the court, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a house on State Street in Shreveport, Louisiana on May 27, 2022.  Agnes lived at the home and was present when the search occurred. Inside the master bedroom of the residence, law enforcement agents located a loaded Taurus pistol, model: PT1911, caliber: 45 containing seven rounds of ammunition; a loaded Century Arms pistol, model: Canik TP9, caliber: 9mm containing 12 rounds of ammunition; a Maverick Arms shotgun, Model: 88, caliber: 12 gauge; approximately 4 ounces of cocaine hydrochloride; digital scales; and over $2,000 in cash.

The suspected cocaine was submitted to the crime lab for testing and the results confirmed the substance was in fact cocaine hydrochloride. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the recovered firearms and found all three firearms to be operable. In addition, agents determined that all three firearms traveled in interstate commerce. Agnes pleaded guilty to the charges on December 6, 2022.

Agnes is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance in Caddo Parish in 2005. At the time he possessed the Taurus pistol, the Century Arms pistol, the Maverick Arms shotgun, and the ammunition on or about May 27, 2022, Agnes knew that he had previously been convicted of a felony crime and was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.  This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of Dean Fitzgerald Williams, 40, of Haynesville, Louisiana. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced Williams to 181 months (15 years, 1 month) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Williams pleaded guilty to the charges on February 8, 2023.

Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the residence of Williams on June 24, 2022. During the search of the residence, officers located methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and a scale in a storage room in the residence. Inside the master bedroom of the residence, law enforcement agents located additional crack cocaine (approximately 8.5 gross grams) and approximately 680.2 grams of marijuana. A Sig Sauer pistol, model: 1911 We the People, caliber: .45 Auto was located in Williams’ bedding and a Hi-Point pistol; model: C9; caliber: .9mm, was located under his mattress and box springs, as well as approximately $13,000 in cash, which he admitted post-Miranda to be drug proceeds.

The narcotics were sent to the DEA Southeast Laboratory in Miami, Florida who analyzed them and determined the drugs to be 419.8 grams of methamphetamine actual (pure) and 113.0 grams of cocaine base. Williams admitted that the narcotics found in his residence belonged to him included the methamphetamine found in the storage room and that he possessed both firearms in furtherance of the commission of the drug trafficking offense charged, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ruston Police Department and was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Edwards and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that three men who illegally possessed firearms were sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote. The three defendants who were sentenced today are as follows:

Christopher Joel Cox, 28, of McLeod, Texas was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.  On April 24, 2022, a deputy with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Cox. The deputy noticed a pistol laying on the back passenger floorboard and Cox and his passenger gave consent to search the vehicle. During the search, the deputy recovered several loaded firearms from inside the vehicle. After further investigation, law enforcement officers learned that he had an active warrant from Colorado and he was subsequently arrested. Cox was previously convicted of Assault 2-Strangulation-Attempted in Colorado in 2018 and was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

Jelantis J. Chatman, 28, and Courvisier U. Glover, 24, both of Shreveport, were each charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  Chatman was sentenced to 30 months in prison and Glover was sentenced to 32 months in prison. Both men will serve 3 years of supervised release following their release from prison.

The charges stem from a traffic stop which occurred on September 16, 2022. An officer with the Shreveport Police Department stopped the vehicle which was being driven by  Chatman and in which Glover was the passenger. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine under Chatman’s seat, as well as a loaded Glock pistol under Glover’s seat.

Chatman and Glover each have prior felony convictions and knew that they were prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Chatman’s prior felony convictions are for simple burglary in 2015, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2018 in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Louisiana. Glover has an extensive criminal history, including being convicted twice for possession of a firearm by a person convicted of domestic abuse battery, in 2018 and 2020.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

# # #

SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown, along with Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in Charge Lynn Higgins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Gary Smith of the Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Acting United States Marshal Chris Felix held a press conference today to announce the indictment of 24 defendants on fraud charges related to the CARES Act.  The defendants in this indictment are all members or associates of a Shreveport street gang that refer to themselves as Step or Die or SOD.

In March 2020 Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the CARES Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which were low-interest financing to small businesses, renters and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. The CARES Act also provided authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).

Defendant Name

Charges

Loan Amount and Type

Sirdell McCullough

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Roderguiz Henry

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,260 / PPP

Johntrell Crutchfield

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

                  

$20,832 / PPP

Deanthony Johnson

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,575 / PPP

$8,000 / EIDL

Deaaundrakous Hagger

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,833 / PPP

$20,833 / PPP

Nico Stewart

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

• Wire Fraud

$4,000 / EIDL

$1,000 / EIDL

Timothy Vasher

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

• Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Destane Glass

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

• Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Xavien Beasley

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$10,000 / EIDL

Quinterrius Brown

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

$30,800 / EIDL

Not funded

Toronco Loston

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Not funded

$201,100 / EIDL

Not funded

Dewonnie Brown

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

$20,800 / PPP

$20,833 / PPP

$20,833 / PPP

Joshua Dominique

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Kadarius Jenkins

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Jasmine Glass

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$8,332 / PPP

Tramaine Taylor

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Antoria Johnson

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,458 / PPP

$20,458 / PPP

Joketa Baulkman

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$19,005 / PPP

$19,005 / PPP

Tyneal Johnson

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,833 / PPP

$20,800 / PPP

Cierra Fleming

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

$20,207 / PPP

Tramarciea Ruffins

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,415 / PPP

Olivia Thomas

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,832 / PPP

Samarrian Kingston

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,272 / PPP

Lakeah Gipson

• Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
• Wire Fraud

$20,058 / PPP

“This is why the United States Attorney’s Office is here,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “This is what we do and is why we become federal prosecutors and investigators with the Department of Justice. Prosecuting violent street gangs with white collar statutes is rare, but we use all the tools we have and try to hold those accountable that break the law and terrorize our communities with acts of violence. We hope to continue to collaborate with our state partners to do our part to eradicate violence while simultaneously focusing on one of the priorities of the department, which is CARES Act fraud.”

“The FBI works with its partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises like this one,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans. “Individuals or groups who seek to steal from programs meant to aid Americans in their time of need, will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.”

“This indictment demonstrates the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s commitment to investigate and bring to justice those that victimize the American taxpayer,” stated Inspector General J. Russell George. “Abusing a Federal program designed to assist Americans in need, by fraudulently applying for loans, has and will continue to be aggressively investigated.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s office for their commitment to this goal.” 

Defendant Roderguiz Henry is a fugitive.  If you have information concerning his whereabouts, please contact the U.S. Marshal’s Service at 318-934-4300.

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

If convicted, the defendants face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, 1 to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Treasury-Inspector General for Tax Administration, and United States Marshal’s Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

# # #

 

LAFAYETTE, La. – Joshua Lewis, 50, of Basile, Louisiana, has been sentenced for possessing cocaine and cocaine base with the intent to distribute, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Lewis to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Evidence introduced in court revealed that beginning in August 2019 and continuing through January 2021, Lewis conspired with Shawn White, Courtney Smith, Shane Malveaux, Kevin Hardy, and others to distribute narcotics, including cocaine and cocaine base in south Louisiana. During their investigation into this drug trafficking organization, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained evidence through the use of controlled purchases of narcotics with confidential sources, as well as the interception of wire communications between the defendants in this organization. On or about January 7, 2021, agents obtained intercepted communications between Lewis and White which revealed that they worked out a deal for Lewis to purchase powder cocaine from White. Lewis and his co-defendants were charged in an indictment on February 10, 2021. On March 17, 2023, Lewis pleaded guilty and admitted that he was in an agreement with his co-conspirators to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

Three other defendants were charged in this case and have been sentenced as follows:

Shane Christopher Malveaux, 51, of Eunice, Louisiana, was sentenced to 100 months (8 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

Courtney Nacol Smith, 48, of Katy, Texas, to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

Shawn Dwayne White, 46, of Eunice, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiring with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Department of Homeland Security-Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

# # #

SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that community meetings were held last week in both the Shreveport and Lafayette areas in hopes of finding ways to combat unlawful acts of hate targeted at the LGTBQIA+ community.

In September 2022, United States Attorney General Merrick Garland announced a nationwide initiative to combat these crimes of hate and stated that investigating and prosecuting hate crimes is a top priority for the Justice Department. The United Against Hate Community Outreach Program was established to bring awareness and emphasize the need to report hate incidents as well as crimes. Hate crimes target and harm not just individual victims, but entire communities and it is important that we use every tool available to prevent, deter, and respond to hate crimes and bias-motivated forms of extremism.

The program brings together community leaders with federal, state and local law enforcement to help the community be better informed and understand how to report hate crimes and build trust between law enforcement and communities. Through using hypothetical scenarios and video clips depicting real-life hate crime cases and stories, United Against Hate promotes interaction between community members and law enforcement participants. Program topics include: defining hate crimes versus hate incidents; the importance of reporting unlawful acts of hate; providing options for responding to hate incidents when situations do not constitute a federal or state crime; and distinguishing unlawful conduct from protected First Amendment activity, including identifying protected speech versus speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes.

The first event was held at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on June 28, 2023, and the second event was held at the Louisiana State University at Shreveport on June 29, 2023. Panelists for the events in both Shreveport and Lafayette included representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice Community Relations Service, Shreveport Police Department, People Acting for Change and Equality (PACE), Louisiana Trans Advocates, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Acadiana Queer Collective, and Community Advocate. The Justice Department is committed to its United States Attorney’s Offices strengthening its relationships within their respective communities in terms of civil rights awareness and resources. The Western District of Louisiana has sponsored or participated in civil rights related meetings in Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Monroe, Lake Charles, Tallulah, Bossier City, and Grambling, related to use of force investigations, disparities in public school education, issues concerning English Learner students, and the like.

“The United Against Hate program is another tool in our toolkit that we will use to try and eradicate hate in our district," stated United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “It is my understanding that there are multiple unsolved transgender homicides and assaults in this district. There is a natural hesitation of persons that may have information concerning these crimes to engage with law enforcement, but we want to extend the olive branch. Every person in the Western District of Louisiana, and everywhere for that matter, deserves to live in a community where they do not have to be fearful of being harassed or attacked because of their color, gender identification, sexual preference, or religious beliefs. This is another civil rights related event that we have sponsored that has led to more open discussion and awareness concerning these issues that plague our communities today.”

“It is vital that the public understand how important reporting a potential hate crime is,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans. “Without the help of the community, these malicious crimes may go unpunished. The FBI is proud to be part of the U.S. Attorney’s effort to educate the public on how we can help develop strategies to address local hate crime problems. Anyone with civil rights concerns can contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the FBI New Orleans Headquarters at (504) 816-3000 or submit a tip at https://tips.fbi.gov.” 

“The Office of Campus Diversity was happy to partner with the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney General's Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Community Relations Service on the United Against Hate Event,” stated Kiwana T. McClung, Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Architecture and Design at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. “Our office is committed to educating our campus stakeholders about issues of concern affecting the LGBTQ+ community and this event was very timely, assisting us in fulfilling that mission. The information, resources, and perspectives provided during this event were very beneficial to the attendees and we would like to sincerely thank the panelists for their service. We look forward to partnering again in the future, so that we may continue our mission of inclusive excellence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and in the wider Lafayette community.”

“Never let anyone’s ignorance become your reality,” stated Roxie C. Black, LGBTQ+ Community Advocate and panelist at the United Against Hate community meeting held in Lafayette, Louisiana.

"With the continuous rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric spreading across our state and country, we can only expect an increase in related hate crimes,” said Peyton Rose Michelle, Executive Director of Louisiana Trans Advocates. “I'm grateful that the DOJ is invested in ensuring that our community knows their safety is a priority and ensuring they know the importance of reporting hate crimes. And as a leader, I'm grateful to know I have a trusted resource to support my community when they share with me that they've experienced the trauma of a hate crime."

Development of the United Against Hate program was led by the Civil Rights Division. EOUSA and other components in the Department’s Hate Crimes Enforcement and Prevention Initiative, including the Community Relations Service, the Community Oriented Policing Services Office, the FBI, and the Office of Justice Programs, provided critical assistance in developing the program. Click here for more information about ways to combat hate crimes and incidents.

# # #

SHREVEPORT/LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of two men in Shreveport and Lake Charles for their role in the trafficking of drugs in those cities.

United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Paul Vincent Williams, 38, of Bossier City, Louisiana, to 216 months (18 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to evidence introduced in court, law enforcement agents working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were involved in an ongoing investigation of drug trafficking activities in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. Through their investigation, agents had specific information that Williams had sold and distributed various amounts of methamphetamine in February and March 2021. These amounts of methamphetamine were confirmed through testing by the DEA laboratory to be a total of 1,250 grams of pure methamphetamine. Agents conducted surveillance of Williams in February 2022 and subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Williams. A federal search warrant was obtained for Williams’ vehicle and inside agents recovered approximately 232.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 4.4 grams of suspected heroin, 37.4 grams of suspected marijuana, 56.3 grams of assorted pills, as well as five firearms, ammunition and over $8,500 in cash.  The seized narcotics were sent to the DEA laboratory for testing and the methamphetamine was confirmed to be 216.9 grams of pure substance, while the suspected heroin was found to be fentanyl, containing 0.5 grams of the purse substance. Williams pleaded guilty on March 13, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The case was investigated by the FBI and ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.

Trevor Selwyn Daniel, Jr., 50, of Decatur, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On February 12, 2020, Daniel was stopped by a Louisiana State Police trooper while traveling along Interstate 10. A K-9 officer arrived on the scene to assist and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was then conducted by law enforcement officers, and they found over five kilograms of cocaine wrapped in bricks and stored in duffel bags in the cargo area. Daniel admitted that the cocaine belonged to him and pleaded guilty to the charge on April 12, 2023.

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Louisiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

# # #

SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Janola Massaquoi, 41, of Shreveport, Louisiana was sentenced late yesterday by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for making false statements to a federal agency in connection with the application for a CARES Act loan. Massaquoi was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $250,000. She will serve 3 years of supervised release following her release from prison.

In March 2020 Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the CARES Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which were low-interest financing to small businesses, renters and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. The CARES Act also provided authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).

In 2018, Massaquoi formed the Jane Elizabeth Education Group (JEEG) and also served as the president of a beauty career training company. In 2020, she applied to the SBA for an EIDL in the name of JEEG d/b/a Company 1 seeking approximately $500,000 in EIDL Program funds. At the same time, she applied for a PPP loan in the name of JEEG d/b/a Company 1 seeking $178,750. As part of the EIDL application process, in April 2020, Massaquoi electronically submitted to the SBA a Loan Authorization and Agreement in which she certified to the SBA that “[JEEG] will not, without the prior written consent of SBA, make any distribution of Borrower’s assets, or give any preferential treatment, make any advance, directly or indirectly, by way of loan, gift, bonus, or otherwise to any owner or partner…”  She also certified that the loan funds would be used solely as working capital for JEEG.

Both loan applications were subsequently approved. Based on her material misrepresentations set forth in the false Loan Authorization and Agreement, the SBA disbursed approximately $500,000 in EIDL benefits to a bank account held by Company 1. On April 23, 2020, approximately $178,750 in PPP loan benefits were disbursed to a bank account held by Company 1.

In reality and unbeknownst to the SBA, Massaquoi intended to make a large advance directly to herself and did not intend to use the EIDL funds solely as working capital for JEEG. After obtaining the loan benefits, Massaquoi transferred funds from Company 1’s bank account to other bank accounts she personally controlled and used the funds for a variety of personal expenses including a down payment on the purchase of a personal residence and mortgage payments. Massaquoi also withdrew over $30,000 in cash, transferred over $50,000 to friends and family members, and used approximately $83,000 to fund her personal investment and retirement accounts. In total, Massaquoi used $250,000 of the EIDL proceeds for her personal use.

“Because of the selfish actions of this defendant and her choice to defraud the government out of over $250,000 for her own personal gain, she now rightfully stands as a convicted felon and will spend time behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “These types of cases are part of why we have been called to do what we do at the United States Attorney’s Office.  It is our sole responsibility to investigate and prosecute these types of cases.  The CARES Act was designed to help those with businesses that were suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not to line their own personal pockets to the detriment of the American taxpayer.  We will bring those who steal federal taxpayer dollars to justice as these types of cases remain a priority for our office and the department. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders in Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles and all points in between.”

“Massaquoi represents a growing number of people who fraudulently received funds under the CARES Act and utilized them for personal gain,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office. “However, IRS Criminal Investigation and our federal law enforcement partners uncovered her deceitfulness and her sentencing is evidence that greed does not pay."

The case was investigated by the Department of Treasury, Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. 

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

# # #

MONROE, La. –  Eric Marquelle Coleman, 49, of Winnsboro, Louisiana, was sentenced today for illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Coleman to 96 months (8 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented to the court, law enforcement agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit began an investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine in the West Monroe area. While agents were conducting surveillance of an area on July 5, 2022, they observed a Ford F150 truck arrive and then promptly leave the location after receiving an unknown object. The vehicle was later stopped for a traffic violation and the driver was determined to be Coleman. A K9 officer arrived on the scene and an open-air sniff was conducted around the outside of the vehicle. The K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle and agents conducted a search of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, they discovered a Springfield Hellcat 9mm pistol.

Coleman has a lengthy criminal history and was also convicted in March 2015 of a federal felony for attempting to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute and sentenced to 70 months in the Bureau of Prisons. Coleman was out on supervised release at the time of his arrest.  As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Coleman pleaded guilty to the indictment on March 16, 2023.

The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Louisiana State Police, Monroe Police Department and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Weber.

# # #

ALEXANDRIA, La. –  Bobbie J. Blake Hampton, 62, of Oakdale, Louisiana, was sentenced today for theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.  United States District Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Hampton to 8 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for theft of government money. Hampton was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $65,259.

Hampton’s brother W.R.C., who was an SSID program participant, died on September 20, 2013. The SSA later determined in 2020 that those SSID funds were still being distributed to a bank account in the name of W.R.C. An investigation by the SSA revealed that following his death, Hampton fraudulently converted all of the funds received from SSA into the bank account of W.R.C. from October 2013 through November 2020 for her own personal use. Hampton used these funds at local businesses in the Alexandria area when she knew that she was not entitled to receive those funds.

In addition, a United States Treasury COVID Economic Impact Relief Payment of $1,200 was deposited into the account of W.R.C. and was also fraudulently converted by Hampton for her own personal use. Hampton pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of government money on February 28, 2023.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.

If you would like to report any type of Social Security Administration fraud, you can do so by accessing their website at: https://oig.ssa.gov/report or call 1-800-269-0271.

# # #

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Lensly Johnnie, 38, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays on drug charges. Johnnie was sentenced to 88 months (7 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

On July 31, 2019, officers with the Lafayette Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Johnnie’s co-defendant, Ernest Taylor. Johnnie was a front seat passenger in the vehicle. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Johnnie and Taylor fled the scene and their vehicle was later found unoccupied and parked at a nearby residence in Lafayette. An officer saw Johnnie and another male walking down the street near the location of the abandoned vehicle. Johnnie was stopped and found to have over $3,900 on his person and had a strong odor of marijuana.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers had a K9 officer arrive at the location where the abandoned vehicle was left and conducted an open-air sniff and a probable cause search was conducted. Inside the vehicle officers found what was thought to be approximately 332 grams of cocaine and approximately 16 grams of heroin hidden inside the door panel. The seized narcotics were sent to the crime lab for testing, and it was determined the narcotics seized were not cocaine, but in fact heroin, with a total of 329.3 grams seized. Johnnie pleaded guilty on March 28, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Ernest Taylor, the co-defendant in this case, was sentenced on April 25, 2023, to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his role in the offense.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lafayette Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.

# # #

LAKE CHARLES, La. – A Eunice, Louisiana man has been sentenced in the Western District of Louisiana for theft of funds from the Social Security Administration, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.

Scotty Paul Fournerat, 50, was sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to two 37-month terms of imprisonment to run concurrently, followed by two 3-year terms of supervised release which will also run concurrently. In addition, Fournerat was ordered to pay restitution to the SSA in the amount of $49,792.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that M.V., a Title XVI Supplemental Security Income Disability (SSID) program participant and the aunt of Fournerat, failed to appear for a redetermination hearing in October 2017. The SSA subsequently suspended payments to M.V. due to her failure to cooperate with the redetermination. Through their investigation, the SSA learned that M.V. had died on January 2, 2012, some five years earlier, but they were not made aware of her death. SSA determined that two days following M.V.’s death an unidentified individual changed the bank account associated with her account so that the payments would route to Comerica Bank and the payments could be accessible by debit card.

Fournerat admitted to using the debit cards to access the SSID funds for his own personal use by making purchases and ATM withdrawals at various locations in St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes. He admitted that he had not applied for the program funds and that he knew the funds were for the sole use of M.V. while she was alive, but yet he willingly and knowingly used the funds for his own personal benefit. Fournerat pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government money on March 22, 2023.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney  Danny Siefker.

# # #

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the appointment of Catherine Semmes to serve as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This appointment is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office in the Monroe Division of the Western District of Louisiana.

Due to the proliferation of gang and gun violence in the Monroe area, U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown and Ouachita Parish District Attorney Steve Tew have joined efforts in a unique way to fight violent crime in that area by adding a specially appointed federal prosecutor to work these types of cases. The goal is for Ms. Semmes to partner as a SAUSA with the district’s Project Safe Neighborhood Program and other Assistant U.S. Attorneys to improve the program’s effectiveness in the northeast corner of the district.

“We have collaboratively made some strides in fighting violent crime, but in approaching District Attorney Tew with this idea, I wanted to take our relationship with the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office to the next level,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “We are grateful that District Attorney Tew is willing to share his talent with our office to find ways to combat the violent crime epidemic our district is facing. SAUSA Semmes will assist where we need it most and we look forward to having her as a part of our office. She has developed a great working relationship with our federal agents and task force officers over the years, is a stalwart with the Metro Narcotics Unit, and is dedicated to helping us eradicate gang violence in Monroe.”

“The partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice is a powerful tool in the fight against violent crime,” said Ouachita Parish District Attorney Steve Tew. “I am committed to working with the DOJ to successfully prosecute violent offenders who bring guns and drugs into our communities.  ADA Cathy Semmes is a zealous prosecutor. She, as well as the other prosecutors in our office, will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s office to focus on the worst offenders. I appreciate the opportunity to partner with U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown and his team.”

Catherine Semmes has worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District Court in Ouachita Parish since February 2020, where she has served as the office’s liaison with Metro Narcotics and serves in the parish’s Violent Crime Repeat Offender Unit. She also tracks and maintains information concerning known gang members. Prior to practicing law, SAUSA Semmes worked as a Probation and Parole Officer for the Office of Juvenile Justice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law.

# # #

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that five men who were involved with the trafficking of cocaine and cocaine base in the St. Martinville, Louisiana, area were each sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge David C. Joseph.  The five defendants and their sentences are as follows:

Marvis Mason, 41, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Kendrell Jones, 43, of New Iberia, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Marcus Bourda, 44, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Dennis Benoit, 44, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 33 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Codie James, 43, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

In late 2019, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), assisted by officers with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, began an investigation into the suspected illegal activities of a narcotics distributor residing in the Western District of Louisiana. Through their investigation, agents were able to identify this distributor of cocaine and cocaine base. Law enforcement agents were granted an application authorizing the interception of wire communications from this individual’s phone. During the interception period, agents learned that this individual used his residence to sell cocaine as well as cook and sell cocaine base. Agents were able to intercept communications wherein he agreed to multiple narcotics transactions which were then confirmed through physical surveillance of his residence.

Through their investigation, agents determined that the individual’s suppliers for powder cocaine and cocaine base included Kendrell Jones, Dennis Benoit, and Marvis Mason. Jones also supplied narcotics to others, including Marcus Bourda. In addition, agents determined that Codie James also assisted in the distribution of cocaine.  

“This case has resulted in the arrest and conviction of numerous individuals who chose to illegally possess and distribute controlled substances and contribute to the corruption in this area,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “It is without a doubt thanks to the great work of law enforcement agents in the Western District of Louisiana, from both the federal and state agencies, who partnered together and put in many long hours investigating and developing the evidence needed to convict these individuals.  We look forward to continuing these partnerships in our district.”

Another defendant in this case, Darrall Johnson, 29, of New Iberia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and is scheduled to be sentenced June 29, 2023.

Other defendants in this case who have already been convicted and sentenced are as follows:

Joshua Bourda, 38, of St. Martinville, was sentenced on April 3, 2023, to 60 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.

Brandon K. Fontnett, 39, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on April 3, 2023, to 151 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

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MONROE, La. – Edward Calloway, 44, of West Monroe, Louisiana, has been sentenced on federal wire fraud charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. At the sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Calloway to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented to the court, Calloway served as the Financial Director for Ouachita Parish Hospital Service District’s G.B. Cooley Hospital (“Cooley Hospital”) from 2016 until October 2019. Prior to serving as their Financial Director, Calloway was the First Staff Accountant from 2010 until 2016.  

Beginning in 2012, Calloway began stealing from Cooley Hospital by transferring money from the hospital’s general fund, sinking fund, and payroll accounts to his personal accounts at Richland State Bank and Louisiana Capital Federal Credit Union. Calloway used a computer to initiate the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) bank transfers. The bill of information filed in this case charged Calloway with causing an ACH transfer of $1,945.34 to be transferred by an interstate wire from a Cooley Hospital account to his personal bank account. Calloway’s theft continued until October 2019 and resulted in a total loss of $892,602.18. Calloway pleaded guilty to the charge of wire fraud on December 12, 2022.

“G.B. Cooley Hospital Service is an iconic medical and counseling services provider to northeast Louisiana residents who need specialized care due to mental and physical issues and is funded by state and federal taxpayer dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Mr. Calloway had a fiduciary duty as Financial Director to oversee these state and federal funds in a prudent fashion to the benefit of Cooley’s residents and clients, not himself.  Instead, he took advantage of these individuals by stealing this money for his personal gain and has now been held accountable.  We will be vigilant and unwavering in our duty to protect the interests our most vulnerable citizens in the district and the taxpayer dollar.”

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Louisiana Office of State Inspector General and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case dubbed “Operation Pick Your Battles” has resulted in a conviction and sentence for Clifton Williams, 48, of Many, Louisiana. Williams was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to a total of 100 months (8 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty November 2, 2022, to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to evidence presented to the court, on or about February 10, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Williams’ home in Many, Louisiana. Williams was present at the residence at the time of the search when officers found methamphetamine, a scale, a box of sandwich bags, and a loaded Glock Model 23 .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine. Williams was subsequently arrested. At the time of his arrest, Williams was serving time on federal supervised release for his conviction from 2011 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in United States District Court in the Western District of Louisiana. As a convicted felon, Williams knew that he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

The narcotics seized were sent to the crime lab for testing and confirmed to be methamphetamine. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the firearm and determined it to be operable.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, ATF, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.

This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday afternoon convicting Howard Davis, 45, of Raleigh, North Carolina, of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the two-day jury trial.

Testimony at trial showed that on August 2, 2022, Davis was stopped by a Louisiana State Trooper on Interstate 20 near Minden, Louisiana, for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of the story that Davis gave him as to why he was traveling through the area. The trooper was able to receive information from law enforcement indicating that the vehicle Davis was driving had been seen in North Carolina during the early morning hours the day before the traffic stop and was seen later that same evening in Dallas, Texas. The information Davis provided to the trooper led him to believe that he was not being truthful. A Louisiana State Trooper K-9 was called in and conducted an open-air sniff of Davis’ vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. While conducting a search of the vehicle, troopers found inside the trunk a tote bag containing approximately 4.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine wrapped in black electrical tape. The cocaine had an estimated street value of over $110,000. The narcotics were seized and sent to the DEA Laboratory for testing, and it was confirmed to be cocaine.

Davis faces a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. His sentencing has been scheduled for October 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy and Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a Lake Charles man has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. for trafficking methamphetamine.

Andrew Simmons, III, 42, was sentenced to 235 months (19 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  On August 10, 2021, troopers with the Louisiana State Police and other law enforcement agents with the Anti-Drug Task Force based in Calcasieu Parish, attempted to execute an arrest warrant on Simmons. As he exited his residence and got into his vehicle, law enforcement officers activated their emergency lights, but Simmons fled at a high rate of speed. After a short vehicle and foot pursuit, Simmons was apprehended.

Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside his vehicle and conducted a search of it. Inside the vehicle, officers located a black duffle bag which contained several clear bags containing approximately 4,121 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol. Simmons was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Criminal Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Deray Montrez Richard, 38 of Bastrop, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 228 months (19 years) in prison in connection with a human trafficking case. Richard was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,000.

“This is another case of a defendant taking advantage of vulnerable individuals in our society for selfish reasons,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “We know that there are many other instances of human trafficking and forced labor across our district and we are committed to funneling resources toward combating such heinous activity.”

According to evidence presented to the court, Richard met a 20-year-old female (Victim 1) on Facebook in the fall of 2020 and he convinced her to travel with him. In December 2020, Richard and another female (Victim 2) drove to Kentucky to pick up Victim 1 in order to prostitute for Richard. Once they picked her up, Richard and the two females drove to Mesquite, Texas where they got two hotel rooms. While in Mesquite, at Richard’s direction, Victim 1 saw several johns and performed sexual acts in exchange for money. Richard kept the money and in fact physically assaulted and forced Victim 1 to engage in prostitution.  Richard left Mesquite with the two female victims, arrived in Bossier City, Louisiana on December 12, 2020, and rented two rooms at a local hotel. While in Bossier City, Richard directed Victim 1 to post escort ads on the internet advertising sexual services. He later got into an argument with Victim 1 that escalated to him beating her.

On December 13, 2020, Richard and the two female victims moved to another hotel in Bossier City and rented two rooms. While there, both female victims saw several johns and performed sexual acts at Richard’s direction. Later that day, Richard began to physically assault both female victims at the hotel. Victim 1 was able to flee the room and report the fight to the hotel clerk, then ran to a nearby convenience store for assistance. Officers with the Bossier City Police Department arrived, and Richard was arrested. After further investigation by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Richard was indicted by a federal grand jury on human trafficking charges. Richard pleaded guilty to a charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion in February 2023.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Bossier City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell.

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LAFAYETTE, La. – Two men involved in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine have been sentenced in the Western District of Louisiana, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Robert Joseph Gant, 57, of Jennings, and Randall Tyler, 38, of Lake Charles as follows:

Robert Joseph Gant was sentenced to 210 months (17 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Gant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

Randall Tyler was sentenced to 162 months (13 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by5 years of supervised release. Tyler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The charges in this case stem from an investigation by agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which began in 2018 and continued through 2020, into the drug trafficking activities of Gant and Tyler, along with other co-conspirators. Law enforcement agents conducted surveillance and received approval to intercept wire communications to and from a co-defendant’s telephone. Through their monitoring of calls and messages sent from that telephone, as well as surveillance and other investigative techniques, agents learned that both Gant and Tyler, as well as other co-conspirators, were selling and distributing narcotics in the south Louisiana area.

Through their further investigation, law enforcement agents obtained evidence that Gant and Tyler were communicating with other co-conspirators regarding the type and quantity of narcotics that would be delivered to Gant and Tyler after this co-conspirator returned to Louisiana from Mexico.  Agents were able to track the shipment of these narcotics and obtained search warrants for Gant’s residence and other stash houses. Upon execution of these search warrants, agents recovered approximately 1,017 grams of fentanyl, 260 grams of heroin and 320 grams of methamphetamine. Tyler and Gant were charged along with 14 others, in this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation named “Inspired Wrath.”

The case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, Eunice Police Department, Lafayette Police Department, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

This effort is part of an ongoing OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four defendants who were charged in an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation with conspiring to sell methamphetamine in the Shreveport area have all now been sentenced. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced the defendants as follows:

Frederick Cortez Walker, 33, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 292 months (24 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Felecia B. Walker, 50, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 270 months (22 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Mario T. Nash, 42, of Haughton, Louisiana, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years)  in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Alana M. Taravella, 40, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 147 months (12 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging all four defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and each of them have pleaded guilty to the charge. Felecia B. Walker and Alana M. Taravella each also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  In addition, five firearms were seized from Taravella and forfeited.

According to evidence presented to the court, beginning on or about March 1, 2021, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) begin an investigation into the suspect drug trafficking activities of these defendants. The DEA was able to obtain approval to intercept phone calls on Frederick C. Walker’s phone. Agents intercepted phone calls between Walker, Felecia Walker, and others, in which they discussed the purchase and sale of methamphetamine.  Specifically, a call was intercepted by agents on June 14, 2021 wherein the Walkers discussed the shipment of methamphetamine in the mail via UPS. Agents were able to seize the package and discovered approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine.

On June 10, 2021, agents intercepted a call wherein Frederick Walker arranged to distribute methamphetamine to an unknown subject. Agents set up surveillance to monitor the transaction and after it was complete, conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The driver was identified as Mario Nash. A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 488.7 gross grams of methamphetamine which was located wrapped in plastic inside the center console of the vehicle. Mario admitted to agents that he had purchased the narcotics from Frederick Walker.

On June 22, 2021, a search warrant was obtained for Frederick and Felecia Walker’s residence. At their residence, officers located approximately 1042.2 gross grams of marijuana, 949.4 gross grams of methamphetamine, a Ruger AR-556, an assortment of magazines including extended magazines, ammunition, and digital scales. Felecia Walker admitted to agents during an interview that the methamphetamine would be mailed to her via the mail and then she or Frederick Walker would mail the money for the methamphetamine to the supplier. Felecia Walker would then distribute the narcotics as directed by Frederick Walker.

On June 23, 2021, a search warrant was obtained for Taravella’s residence and during the search, agents recovered a Taurus 709 Slim 9mm handgun, a DPMS A-15 firearm, over $8,000 in cash, methamphetamine, packaging materials, and digital scales. In the vehicle parked outside of Taravella’s residence, agents found a Taurus G2C 9mm with extended magazine and ammunition, a Taurus PT738 .380 firearm with magazine and ammunition, a stolen Sig Sauer P365 9mm firearm with magazine and ammunition and 325 gross grams of methamphetamine. Taravella admitted to obtaining methamphetamine from Frederick Walker and distributing it to others.

The case was investigated by the DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of three defendants in connection with cases involving the trafficking of narcotics and illegal possession of a firearm. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced the following individuals:

Cedric Bell, 55, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on drug and firearms charges. On August 20, 2021, a Caddo Parish Probation Officer searched Bell’s clothing and found a digital scale and cash in his pockets. When questioned by the officer, Bell admitted that he had some pills in his car and consented to a search of the vehicle. While searching Bell’s vehicle, officers found at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, a Taurus pistol, a Taurus revolver, and ammunition. Officers then searched Bell’s home and found ten more firearms, including two short-barreled rifles and a silencer. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined the firearms and determined they functioned as designed. Bell admitted to possession of the methamphetamine with intent to distribute and carrying and using firearms during a drug trafficking offense.  

The case was investigated by the ATF and Caddo Parish Office of Probation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten.

Demetrius Sumner, 44, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on firearms charges. Sumner went to a local pawn shop in Shreveport in July 2021 and attempted to purchase four firearms. While completing the ATF Form 4473 to purchase the firearms, Sumner indicated on the form that he had not been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. When in truth and in fact, Sumner had been convicted of a domestic violence charge in Clark County, Nevada on August 3, 2017. After waiting several days and not receiving an answer on Sumner’s background check to purchase the firearms, the pawn shop released them to Sumner. However, ten days later, the pawn shop received information denying Sumner’s application check due to his prior conviction. Law enforcement agents got the firearms back from Sumner and he admitted to making a false statement to a firearms dealer about his prior conviction. 

The case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.

In a separate and unrelated case, United States Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Julius Bernard Washington, 39, of Natchitoches, Louisiana to 70 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.  In October 2021, Washington sold methamphetamine to an individual which was later seized by law enforcement agents. The total amount of actual methamphetamine distributed by Washington was approximately 301.5 grams.  Washington pleaded guilty to the charge on January 25, 2023.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg.

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LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA, La. – Three defendants have been sentenced in the Lafayette and Alexandria Divisions in the Western District of Louisiana today for drug trafficking and firearms charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.

United States District Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Damien Romain Lavalais, 42, of Bunkie, Louisiana, to 262 months (21 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine. This charge is the result of an investigation by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into the drug trafficking activities of Lavalais. In July 2021, an undercover controlled purchase of methamphetamine was coordinated by agents with Lavalais. The meeting with him was monitored and recorded wherein he sold approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine to the individual. The narcotics were sent to the crime lab for analysis and confirmed to be methamphetamine with a purity level of 98%. Lavalais pleaded guilty to the charge on January 3, 2023.

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel.

United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Courtney Nacol Smith, 48, of Katy, Texas, to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Evidence introduced in court revealed that Smith conspired with others from August 2019 through January 2021 to distribute narcotics, including cocaine and cocaine base in south Louisiana. Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began their investigation into this drug trafficking organization in 2018 through the use of controlled purchases of narcotics with confidential sources, as well as the interception of wire communications between the defendants in this organization, including Smith. Surveillance by law enforcement agents observed one of Smith’s co-conspirators, Shawn D. White, travel to Texas from Louisiana to obtain drugs from Smith at his residence and another residence in the Houston area. White departed Smith’s residence in Texas and upon crossing the state line back into Louisiana, was stopped for a traffic violation. During a search of his vehicle, officers found one kilogram of cocaine wrapped in cellophane, electrical tape, and in a vacuum sealed bag concealed inside the car. Smith admitted to knowingly and willfully making an agreement with White and others to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Smith pleaded guilty to the charge on February 16, 2023.

The case was investigated by the DEA, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

These cases are part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

In a separate case, Scotty Latiolais, 51, of Erath, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 110 months (9 years, 2 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. This charge stems from a discovery made by a law enforcement agent of a firearm in an outside area near the residence of Latiolais wherein a search warrant had been executed the day before. On June 17, 2020, law enforcement officers executed an arrest warrant for Latiolais and a search warrant for his residence. When officers first encountered Latiolais on the property, he led them on a brief foot chase before being apprehended. During the subsequent search of his residence, officers found and seized suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, and a Night Owl 16 channel digital video recorder (DVR). Officers obtained a search warrant for the DVR device and later found a video of Latiolais handling a pistol on the property. Latiolais pleaded guilty on February 2, 2023, and admitted to possessing the firearm on June 17, 2020, despite the fact that he has a prior felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in 2019 and knew that he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon.

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MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the resolution of two separate drug trafficking cases from the Monroe Division in the Western District of Louisiana today. Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the following defendants:

Jacque Pierre Young, 30, of Arcadia, was sentenced to 324 months (27 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Agents with the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team obtained a search warrant for an apartment on East California Avenue in Ruston, Louisiana, based on evidence they had obtained. When officers arrived at the house, they found Young in a bedroom in the apartment. Inside that bedroom, agents found a total of 80 grams of methamphetamine, as well as 54 grams of crack cocaine.  A loaded EAA Girsan MC28 9mm handgun was also located in an open storage bin in the bedroom. The narcotics were submitted to the DEA lab for testing and the results indicated the methamphetamine to be 97% pure and the crack cocaine to be 54 grams of cocaine base. Young admitted that the drugs and firearm belonged to him and that he intended to sell the drugs. He pleaded guilty to the charges on February 2, 2023.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins.

In a separate and unrelated case, Marianno Goldsmith, 37, and Thomas Boswell, 32, both of Florida, were each sentenced to 151 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Both defendants pleaded guilty in January 2023 to the charge. Evidence presented to the court revealed that on May 16, 2022, a trooper with the Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on I-20 near Richland Parish which was being driven by Goldsmith and Boswell was the sole passenger. The traffic stop led to a search of the vehicle and law enforcement officers found two duffle bags in the trunk containing suspected methamphetamine. The narcotics were submitted to the lab for testing and the results confirmed that the substance was methamphetamine with a net weight of approximately 29,213 grams.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.

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MONROE, La. – Paul Anthony Lewis, 50, of West Monroe, was sentenced today on numerous drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Lewis to 240 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Lewis was convicted by a jury in February of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish began an investigation into the suspected drug trafficking activities of Lewis. While conducting surveillance of Lewis’ stash house, agents observed packages that were delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to that address. During a subsequent search of the house, law enforcement agents found large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base also known as crack cocaine, and promethazine inside. In addition, Lewis used his telephone to negotiate drug trafficking transactions with unindicted co-conspirators in Texas and in the Western District of Louisiana.

“The choices of this defendant to continue to possess and distribute a buffet of illegal substances, even after having spent time in federal prison before, has resulted in him now spending the later years of his life behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon Br. Brown. “We continue to stand by our commitment to make it a priority in the Western District of Louisiana to have zero tolerance for those who choose to sell narcotics, especially the most dangerous narcotic of all, fentanyl.”

Lewis has a lengthy criminal history, including a federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in the Eastern District of Louisiana in 2001 when he was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the DEA, Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Gaskins and Alexander C. Van Hook, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Fredarius D. Jackson, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. Jackson was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

On May 29, 2021, Jackson was arrested outside of a residence on Dove Street in Shreveport by officers with the Shreveport Police Department. During his arrest, officers found Jackson to be in possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol, a TNW Firearms ASR rifle with a 50-round drum magazine and other ammunition. At the time of Jackson’s arrest, he was serving a period of state probation for a felony offense and knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) examined and tested the firearms and found them to be operational.

The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. – Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown of the Western District of Louisiana, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office, announced that a Louisiana man was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for conspiracy to commit forced labor and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution of $979,800 to the victims.

Between June 2016 and May 2019, Darnell Fulton, 39, of Pineville, used violence, sexual abuse, withholding of food, degradation, and intimidation to coerce multiple minors to work for his brownie baking business and provide him the profits. The defendant required the victims to travel to as many as 20 to 30 locations a day, such as plazas, car dealerships, law firms, restaurants, and parking lots, to sell brownies. The victims worked late into the night either selling or baking the brownies and sold them during the day. In fact, the victims typically worked seven days a week with very few breaks and had to meet a daily sales quota the defendant set. The defendant regularly assaulted the victims because he was not satisfied with their daily work performance, especially if they did not meet his projected sales daily quota. For example, the defendant frequently required the victims to stay in a push up or plank position for hours, and he often whipped them with a belt if they got out of proper form. The defendant also made the minor victims perform sexual acts with him and transported them across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity with him.

“Forced labor, especially when it involves sexual abuse of children, violence, and mental and physical anguish, is heinous conduct that has no place in our society today. The defendant mercilessly exploited children for his own financial gain and personal gratification, and we will not tolerate it,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This sentence demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to standing up for the survivors of forced labor schemes.  We will not only pursue and prosecute human and child traffickers, but also seek restitution and use those funds to help survivors rebuild and reclaim their lives.”

“The defendant’s actions in this case were deplorable and despicable,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “Forced labor is a form of modern-day slavery and we have a duty to protect the most vulnerable of our society. He had no hesitation in torturing and demoralizing these victims, his own children. We are grateful for this sentence and hope that the victims can begin the healing process. This defendant is a danger to society, has no regard for human life, and we believe it is appropriate that he will be spending a long time in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.”

“Mr. Fulton’s guilty plea and the sentencing today should be of great comfort to the victims of his depravity,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “We thank our partners, the Alexandria Police Department, United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and DOJ’s Civil Rights Division for their assistance in this case. We will continue the work of rooting out those who seek to target minors for their own bizarre obsessions.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and Alexandria Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit in Washington, DC.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown and the staff of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana mourn the passing of Senior United States District Court Judge Michael J. Juneau and issue the following statement:

“Judge Michael J. Juneau was a great American jurist and the consummate professional on and off the bench exhibiting textbook judicial temperament, especially when faced with tense situations during litigation. While in private practice, he was well known and respected throughout the state for being highly skilled in complex civil litigation. Although his time with us on the bench in the Western District of Louisiana was brief by Article III federal judge standards, it was impactful, and he will be missed. The employees of the Western District of Louisiana’s United States Attorney’s Office will keep his wife, Becky, and their children, lifted in prayer and our thoughts during this difficult time.”

         

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