2006 Press Releases
April - June
June 28, 2006 Thomas - Trabeau Guilty Pleas
June 22, 2006 Wright Arrest
June 6, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Two more Indicted Two more Plead Guilty
June 1, 2006 James E. Rosamond Indicted
May 30, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Guilty Plea - Jackson
May 26, 2006 FEMA Fraud - 4 More Indicted
May 25, 2006 FEMA Fraud - 3 Plead Guilty
May 25, 2006 Williams Guilty Plea
May 17, 2006 FEMA Fraud - 2 More Plead Guilty
May 11, 2006 FEMA Fraud - 3 More Indicted
May 4, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Davis Indictment
May 4, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Lawless Arrest
April 20, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Scott Lee Roberts Indictment
April 19, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Two more Indicted
April 18, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Three more Plead Guilty
28 June 2006 Thomas - Trabeau Guilty Pleas
United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today the unsealing of guilty pleas
involving an Ascension Parish Councilman and a former Mayor of Sorrento.
Ascension Parish Councilman Alvin W. Thomas, Jr., has pled guilty before Judge
Ralph E. Tyson to a bill of information charging him with one count of bribery, in violation
of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B). Thomas faces up to 10 years
imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. In his plea agreement, Thomas admits to the
following facts:
Throughout the relevant period, defendant Alvin W. Thomas, Jr., was a member of the Ascension Parish Council in Ascension Parish, Louisiana ("the Parish"). The Parish was a local government that received federal assistance in excess of $10,000 under federal programs during the one year period beginning January 1, 2005, and ending December 31, 2005.
Thomas was elected to the parish council by the citizens of the Parish's first district, which is comprised largely of Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Thomas and the rest of the council are entrusted to oversee the Parish and its government. As a councilman, Thomas is involved in determining who receives contracts with the Parish. Some of the contracts decided upon by the parish council regard the treatment of sewage.
On May 26, 2005, Thomas met with a local businessman who had
several sewer treatment contracts with the Parish. During the meeting,
Thomas agreed to accept one hundred dollars ($100) from the businessman in
exchange for Thomas' continued support of the businessman's sewer contracts.
On June 3, 2005, Thomas asked the local businessman for five hundred dollars ($500) in exchange for Thomas' continued support of the sewer contracts.
On June 9, 2005, Thomas had dinner with the local businessman for the
purpose of introducing the local businessman to another member of the
Ascension Parish Council. After the meeting, the local businessman gave
Thomas five hundred dollars ($500) in cash, as Thomas had requested.
Thomas also explained to the businessman how to bribe a politician without
being too overt. After giving his explanation, Thomas told the businessman
that he had given him a "crash course in politics."
On September 14, 2005, Thomas asked the local businessman for three hundred dollars ($300) in exchange for Thomas' continued support of the sewer contracts. In response, the local businessman gave Thomas the money in cash.
The three aforementioned payments made by the businessman to
Thomas were made in connection with the businessman's sewer contracts, the
value of which exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000). However, the
payments were in exchange for Thomas' general assistance with the contracts,
the value of which assistance is indeterminable. Accordingly, while the $5,000
statutory requirement is satisfied, the total monetary amount for purposes of
Section 2C1.1(b)(2) is limited to the amount of the payments, nine hundred
dollars ($900).
The three aforementioned payments constituted a single bribe, in that they were related to the single action of Thomas providing general assistance in connection with the businessman's contracts. Accordingly, the parties stipulate that the payments should be considered multiple installments on a single bribe for purposes of Section 2C1.1(b)(1).
Former Mayor Camile J. Trabeau has pled guilty before Judge James J. Brady to a bill of information charging him with one count of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. Trabeau faces up to 30 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. In his plea agreement, Trabeau admits to the following facts:
In October 1996, the defendant began work as the manager of a finance
company called Cajun Credit which primary business was loaning money to
individuals. Cajun Credit was located in Gonzales, Louisiana. Hibernia
National Bank ("Hibernia") funded the loans made by Cajun Credit. As part of
the arrangement, Hibernia required Cajun Credit to send monthly reports to
Hibernia concerning the status of the loans. The deposits of Hibernia were
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation throughout the relevant
period.
From March 1996 through January 2001, the defendant created twenty-
six (26) fraudulent loan applications through Cajun Credit using fictitious
names and caused such applications to be approved. The defendant pocketed
the loan proceeds, which amounted to over $60,000, knowing that the loans
would not be repaid. To facilitate the scheme, the defendant mailed false
monthly reports to Hibernia stating that the loans were in good standing when,
in fact, they were not being repaid. On or about February 1, 2001, the
defendant caused the last false monthly report to be mailed to Hibernia.
Both of the above matters were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.
United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that federal agents arrested
LARRY WRIGHT, age 25, of Zachary, Louisiana, yesterday on charges of attempted
possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm during the commission of a
drug trafficking crime. A criminal complaint was signed this morning by U.S. District Court
Magistrate Judge Christine Noland. WRIGHT is a Deputy with the East Baton Rouge Parish
Sheriff's Office.
WRIGHT is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshal's Office. An initial
appearance is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. today before Magistrate Judge Noland.
The arrest was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms & Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the East Baton Rouge Parish
Sheriff's Office.
NOTE: A complaint is merely an accusation by a law enforcement official, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial.
14 June 2006 FEMA Fraud - Two more Indicted Two more Plead Guilty
TWO MORE INDICTED, TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a
federal grand jury returned indictments against two more Louisiana residents on federal FEMA
fraud charges, and that two more Louisiana residents pled guilty in federal court to violations
related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds.
KIM M. CUMMINGS, age 38, and DORETHA S. FRANCIS, age 35, residents of Baton
Rouge, Louisiana, were each charged in two-count indictments with making a false and
fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements
to FEMA. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General. If convicted, CUMMINGS and FRANCIS
face maximum sentences of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.
These individuals bring the total number of defendants who have been charged in the
Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds to
sixty-one.
VINITA LANE, age 28, and MICHELLE LONDON, age 31, residents of Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, each pled guilty today before District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of
indictments charging each with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits.
As a result of their guilty pleas to Count One of the indictments, LANE and LONDON each face
maximum sentences of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea
agreements, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the indictments when LANE
and LONDON are sentenced on Count One.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to
believe that offenses have been committed by the defendants. The defendants, of course, are
presumed innocent until and unless he or she is proven guilty at trial.
United States Attorney David R. Dugas is pleased to announce that, after the successful completion of forfeiture actions filed by the U. S. Attorney’s Office in three Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operations, over $1,000,000 in forfeited cash and other assets will go to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies pursuant to the Federal Equitable Sharing Guidelines.
OCDETF Operations Tracer, Escalade and Justus resulted in the combined conviction of 37 defendants and the combined forfeiture of over $1,300,000 in cash and other assets such as real estate and vehicles. Under the federal Equitable Sharing Guidelines, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office is receiving $137,052.93, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is receiving $113,100.47, the Baton Rouge City Police Department is receiving $105,894.16, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office is receiving $89,780.54, the Gonzales Police Department is receiving $87,194.16, the District Attorney’s Office for the 23rd Judicial District is receiving $19,960.00 and the Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control Board is receiving $7,352.29. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigative Division is receiving $273,486.04, the Drug Enforcement Administration is receiving $79,845.54 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is receiving $43,912.85. The DEA has also received 4 forfeited vehicles that it has placed into service and the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office has received 1 forfeited vehicle that it has placed into service.
A portion of the forfeited proceeds was applied to pay federal and state income taxes owed in the amount of $183,305.85.
United States Attorney Dugas stated, “The asset forfeiture provisions of federal law allow us to deprive drug dealers of their illicit profits and at the same time enhance our drug enforcement efforts by sharing forfeited assets with the law enforcement agencies who work so hard to bring drug dealers to justice. As a result, we have been able to provide our local law enforcement partners with additional resources while removing over $1,300,000 in cash and assets from the hands of those who may use it for illegal purposes.”
1 June 2006 James E. Rosamond Indicted
United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that yesterday a federal grand jury indicted JAMES E. ROSAMOND, age 57, and his son, JAMES W. ROSAMOND, age 32, both residents of Holden, Louisiana, with one count each of conspiracy to prepare and present false tax returns and multiple counts of aiding and assisting in preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns. The elder ROSAMOND is charged in nineteen of the substantive counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false returns, while his son is charged in twelve.
The grand jury alleges that JAMES E. ROSAMOND operated Rosamond Enterprises, doing business as “Taxes Done Rite,” a tax preparation business, and that JAMES W. ROSAMOND, son of JAMES E. ROSAMOND, worked with his father as a tax preparer for Taxes Done Rite. It is alleged that from at least February 13, 2003, to on or about July 15, 2003, the defendants conspired to aid and assist in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent federal income tax returns, that is, to illegally minimize taxable income and illegally maximize refunds by filing returns which contained false and fraudulent deductions. These false filings allegedly resulted in a tax loss to the United States in excess of $100,000. As part of the scheme, it is alleged that the elder ROSAMOND falsely represented himself to be a certified public accountant, a former IRS employee, and a reputable tax preparer. The indictment alleges that both father and son then met with taxpayer customers and fabricated deductions such as medical and dental expenses, state and local income taxes paid, personal property taxes paid, gifts made to charities, job related expenses, and other miscellaneous deduction expenses.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
If convicted on all charges, JAMES E. ROSAMOND faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 62 years, a fine of $5 million, or both; and JAMES W. ROSAMOND faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 41 years, a fine of $3,250,000, or both.
NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by the defendants. The defendants, of course, are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty at trial.
30 May 2006 FEMA Fraud - Guilty Plea - Jackson
ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that
DEDRICK M. JACKSON, age 22, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief
U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count One of an indictment charging JACKSON
with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits.
As a result of this guilty plea to Count One of the Indictment, JACKSON faces a
maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea
agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the Indictment when
JACKSON is sentenced on Count One.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others. This
case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector
General.
The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of
Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at fifty-nine.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
25 May 2006 FEMA Fraud - 4 More Indicted
FOUR MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that a federal
grand jury returned indictments yesterday against four more Louisiana residents on federal
FEMA fraud charges.
LEONARD JACKSON, age 54, MARY JOHNSON, age 51, ANTHONY PARKER, age
21, and EDWARD PARKER, age 20, all residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were each
charged in two-count indictments with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster
assistance benefits (Count One) and illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check
from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance (Count Two). The charges resulted from an
investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General. If convicted on Count
One, these defendants face maximum sentences of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
If convicted on Count Two, these defendants face maximum sentences of ten years imprisonment
and a $250,000 fine.
These individuals bring the total number of defendants who have been charged in the
Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds to fifty-
eight.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to
believe that offenses have been committed by the defendants. The defendants, of course, are
presumed innocent until and unless he or she is proven guilty at trial.
25 May 2006 FEMA Fraud - 3 Plead Guilty
THREE MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that three
more Louisiana residents pled guilty in federal court this week to violations related to Hurricane
Katrina relief funds.
JENNY L. LOWERY, age 22, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on May
23, 2006, and WHITNEY PAUL, age 19, a resident of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, pled guilty
today to Count One of Indictments charging each with making a false and fraudulent claim for
disaster relief benefits. The cases were investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of
their guilty pleas to Count One of the Indictments, LOWERY and PAUL each face a maximum
sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea
agreements, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the Indictments when
LOWERY and PAUL are sentenced on Count One.
SHARON D. DALCOURT, age 45, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on
May 24, 2006, to a one-count indictment charging her with making false and fraudulent
statements to FEMA regarding damages incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The case was
investigated by the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of
Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of her guilty plea,
DALCOURT faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others. This
case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector
General.
The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of
Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at fifty-four.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
25 May 2006 Williams Guilty Plea
United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that LAWRENCE B.
WILLIAMS, JR., age 34, of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Court
Judge John V. Parker to a bill of information charging one count of illegal use of a Social
Security number, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7))B). At the time of the alleged offense,
WILLIAMS was Assistant Chief of Police of St. Gabriel, Louisiana.
The bill of information alleges that WILLIAMS had previously filed for bankruptcy in
another state and believed his credit was poor due to this filing. The bill of information
alleges that WILLIAMS, on several occasions between November 24, 2003, and on or about
April 7, 2004, in association with the purchase of an automobile for his mother, falsely
represented his minor son's Social Security number to be the Social Security account number
assigned to him.
If convicted, WILLIAMS faces a maximum sentence of not more than five (5) years
imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. Sentencing has not yet been set.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the
Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by
Assistant United States Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.
17 May 2006 FEMA Fraud - 2 More Plead Guilty
TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that two
more Louisiana residents pled guilty in federal court to violations related to Hurricane Katrina
relief funds.
DEBBIE A. FOSTER, age 34, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty
yesterday, and RONALD A. GUIDRY, age 32, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty
today before District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of Indictments charging each
with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits.
As a result of their guilty pleas to Count One of the Indictments, FOSTER and GUIDRY
each face a sentence of imprisonment of a maximum of five (5) years and a $250,000 fine, or
both. As part of the plea agreements, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the
Indictments when FOSTER and GUIDRY are sentenced on Count One.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others. This
case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector
General.
The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of
Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at fifty-four.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
11 May 2006 FEMA Fraud - 3 More Indicted
THREE MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a
federal grand jury returned indictments against three more Louisiana residents on federal FEMA
fraud charges.
BETTY L. FRANKLIN, age 53, of Port Allen, Louisiana, DEREK BRADLEY, age 39,
of Port Allen, Louisiana, and DAVID JEFFERSON, age 29, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were
each charged in two-count indictments with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster
assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA. The charges
resulted from investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the U.S. Secret Service.
If convicted, FRANKLIN, BRADLEY, and JEFFERSON face maximum sentences of five years
imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.
These individuals bring to fifty-four the total number of defendants who have been
charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief
funds.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and nsurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, at (225) 389-0443.
NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to
believe that offenses have been committed by the defendant. The defendant, of course, is
presumed innocent until and unless he or she is proven guilty at trial.
4 May 2006 FEMA Fraud - Davis Indictment
ANOTHER INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that a federal
grand jury returned a two-count indictment yesterday against another Louisiana resident on
federal FEMA fraud charges.
THERESA DAVIS, age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count
indictment with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits and with
making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA. The charges resulted from an investigation
conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Department of
Homeland Security - Office of the Inspector General. If convicted, DAVIS faces a maximum
sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.
This individual brings to fifty-one the total number of defendants who have been charged
in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to
believe that offenses have been committed by the defendant. The defendant, of course, is
presumed innocent until and unless she is proven guilty at trial.
4 May 2006 FEMA Fraud - Lawless Arrest
ARREST FOR FRAUD IN OBTAINING DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT DEBIT CARDS
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that
WAYNE P. LAWLESS, age 50, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, was arrested on May 3, 2006, and
charged in a criminal complaint with mail fraud and false use of Social Security numbers to
obtain disaster unemployment debit cards for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Katrina.
The criminal complaint alleges that LAWLESS, while working in his capacity as an
employee of the Louisiana Department of Labor, facilitated numerous fraudulent claims for
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits. Based upon information obtained from the
applications for these cards, the social security numbers on the applications did not match the
legitimate names associated with the social security numbers.
The subject debit cards were issued by the Louisiana Department of Labor as Disaster
Unemployment Assistance to provide financial assistance to individuals whose employment has
been lost or interrupted as a result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United
States. The Louisiana Department of Labor administers the DUA program for the State of
Louisiana, the funding for which comes from federal funds provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Administration (FEMA). This arrest brings to fifty the total number of defendants
who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane
Katrina relief funds.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector
General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Postal
Inspection Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Louisiana State Police; and the
Zachary, Louisiana, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Hipwell is prosecuting the
case.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, at (225) 389-0443.
NOTE: A complaint is merely an accusation by a law enforcement official, and the
defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial.
20 April 2006 FEMA Fraud - Scott Lee Roberts Indictment
ANOTHER INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that a federal
grand jury in the Middle District of Louisiana returned a fifteen-count indictment yesterday
against SCOTT LEE ROBERTS on federal FEMA fraud charges.
ROBERTS, age 40, formerly of Orlando, Florida, was charged with seven counts of wire
fraud and eight counts of illegal use of Social Security numbers. The indictment alleges that
ROBERTS filed eight claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits with the
Louisiana Department of Labor using false places of employment and false Social Security
Numbers that ROBERTS knew had not been assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security to
the listed DUA claimant. The DUA program for the State of Louisiana, administered by the
Louisiana Department of Labor, provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment
has been lost or interrupted as a result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United
States. Funding for the program is provided by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration (FEMA).
The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Separtment of Labor,
Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the
Sacramento, California, Police Department; and the Billings, Montana, Police Department. Each
of the seven wire fraud counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years and a
$1 million fine. Each of the eight illegal use of Social Security numbers counts carries a
maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a $250,000 fine.
The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of
Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at forty-nine.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to
believe that offenses have been committed by the defendants. The defendants, of course, are
presumed innocent until and unless he or she is proven guilty at trial.
19 April 2006 FEMA Fraud - Two more Indicted
TWO MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a
federal grand jury returned indictments against two more Louisiana residents on federal FEMA
fraud charges.
EZRA HARRIS, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count
indictment with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count One)
and with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited
disaster assistance (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the
U.S. Secret Service; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector
General. If convicted on Count One, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of five years
imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If convicted on Count Two, HARRIS faces a maximum
sentence of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
TINA PROFIT, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count
indictment with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count One),
illegal use of a Social Security number (Count Two), and illegal conversion of government
property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance (Count Three). The
charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the Social Security
Administration, Office of the Inspector General; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
Office of the Inspector General. If convicted on Counts One or Two, PROFIT faces a maximum
sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count. If convicted on Count
Three, PROFIT faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
These individuals bring the total number of defendants who have been charged in the
Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds to forty-nine.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.
NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to
believe that offenses have been committed by the defendants. The defendants, of course, are
presumed innocent until and unless he or she is proven guilty at trial.
18 April 2006 FEMA Fraud - Three more Plead Guilty
THREE MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that three
more Louisiana residents pled guilty yesterday in federal court to violations related to Hurricane
Katrina relief funds.
JAMIE MOORE, age 20, REGAN J. BENNIE, age 25, and EDDIE G. CONERLY, age
51, residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, each pled guilty to Count One of indictments charging
them with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster relief benefits. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the indictments when these
defendants are sentenced on Count One.
As a result of the guilty pleas, MOORE, BENNIE, and CONERLY each face a sentence
of imprisonment of a maximum of five (5) years and a $250,000 fine, or both.
In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane
Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the
Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal
Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others. This
case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector
General.
The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of
Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at forty-seven.
For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of
Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.