BATON ROUGE, LA – Four more Louisiana residents were indicted in federal court on charges of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

SHAWANDA JOHNSON, age 34, and RHONDA L. ST. CYR, age 19, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were each charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with mail fraud (Count One) and with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count Two). The charges against JOHNSON resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the charges against ST. CYR resulted from an investigation conducted by the Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted on Count One, JOHNSON and ST. CYR each faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, JOHNSON and ST. CYR each faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

KIMBERLY S. BOWMAN, age 21, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment with two counts of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud in connection with disaster assistance benefits fraud. BOWMAN was charged with filing two false and fraudulent claims for FEMA disaster assistance benefits in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. BOWMAN was also charged with fraudulently claiming and receiving disaster unemployment assistance benefits that the U.S. Department of Labor and the Louisiana Department of Labor made available to individuals who became unemployed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. The maximum sentence for each of the three counts is thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.

Finally, CLARENA M. McGEE, age 55, of Fluker, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with wire fraud (Count One) and with aggravated identify theft (Count Two). The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted on Count One, McGEE is faced with a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, McGEE faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years, in addition to the sentence imposed for Count One.

Today’s indictments bring the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred fifteen.

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 the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and 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. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

18 June 2007 FEMA Fraud - Morris - Whitaker Indictments

TWO MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES RELATED TO A HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were indicted in federal court last week on charges of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

ARETHA L. MORRIS, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged on June 13, 2007, in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury 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’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted, MORRIS faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, per count.

PAMELA D. WHITAKER, age 44, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged on June 13, 2007, in an indictment with two counts of mail fraud in connection with checks received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for expedited disaster assistance. The case was investigated by the U. S. Postal Inspection Service. If convicted, WHITAKER faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both, per count.

Last week’s indictments bring the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred eleven.

8 June 2007 FEMA Fraud - Franklin - Ehiorobo Guilty Plea

TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents pled guilty in federal court on charges of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

KEISHA U. FRANKLIN, age 29, and FREDRICA L. EHIOROBO, age 20, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, each pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge John V. Parker to Count One of an indictment charging each with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of their guilty pleas to Count One, FRANKLIN and EHIOROBO each faces 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 each indictment when FRANKLIN and EHIOROBO are sentenced on Count One.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred nine.

31 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - Dunn Sentencing

ANOTHER SENTENCED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident was sentenced in federal court by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

LATOYA DUNN, age 29, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 21, 2007, to an indictment charging her with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. DUNN was sentenced today to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of this matter.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred nine.

24 May 2007 Thompson - Thomas - Archie Charged

THREE INDIVIDUALS CHARGED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
IN CONNECTION WITH IDENTITY THEFT SCHEME

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that three individuals have been charged in connection with a massive identity theft scheme allegedly aimed at, among other things, obtaining over $10,000,000 from various bank accounts.

ROBERT THOMPSON, also known as John Lawson, age 41, of Zachary, Louisiana, is charged in an 18 count indictment with the following offenses:

* One count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371;
* Nine counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343;
* One count of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956;
* Four counts of access device fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029;
* Two counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A; and
* One count of computer fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030.

The indictment against THOMPSON also includes a forfeiture allegation which seeks forfeiture of any proceeds of the wire fraud. If convicted, THOMPSON faces a maximum of over 300 years in prison.

BARBARA J. THOMAS, age 43, of Tallulah, Louisiana, has been charged in a bill of information with one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. If convicted, THOMAS faces up to 30 years imprisonment.

KELVIN ARCHIE, age 34, of Conroe, Texas, has been charged in a bill of information with one count of use of an authorized access device, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028. If convicted, ARCHIE faces up to 10 years imprisonment.

This ongoing investigation is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Many other agencies have assisted in the investigation, including the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office; Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office; East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Hardeman County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office; the Bolivar, Tennessee, Police Department; the Baton Rouge Police Department; and the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.

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. A bill of information is merely an accusation by the United States Attorney that an offense has been committed by the defendant. The defendants, of course, are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty at trial.

24 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - Clark - Jackson Indictments

TWO MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES
RELATED TO A HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were indicted in federal court on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

WEST CLARK, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with mail fraud (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. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted on Count One, CLARK faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, CLARK faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

STEPHANIE JACKSON, age 36, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina 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. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted on Count One, JACKSON faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, JACKSON faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Today’s indictments bring the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred nine.

22 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - Miller Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court yesterday on a charge of fraud related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced.

FRED DANIEL MILLER, age 40, of Conway, Arkansas, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to an indictment charging him with wire fraud. According to the Factual Basis, MILLER had filed for benefits under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, which is funded by FEMA to provide financial assistance to individuals whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. MILLER was incarcerated at Orleans Parish Prison before Hurricane Katrina struck the state in August 2005 and was evacuated to several detention facilities before being released on September 30, 2005. As an inmate, MILLER was unemployed and not entitled to disaster unemployment assistance. Based upon his false claim, MILLER received approximately $3,822 in DUA payments to which he was not entitled. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of his guilty plea, MILLER faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred seven.

17 May 2007 Edwards Sentencing

LOUISIANA RESIDENT SENTENCED ON CHARGES OF
MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS ON TAX RETURN

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that FELICIA EDWARDS, age 46, of Ethel, Louisiana, was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola on a charge of making false statements on her income tax return. EDWARDS pled guilty to the charge on October 25, 2006, and was sentenced today to a term of imprisonment of fifteen months, one year of supervised release, $128,681.25 in restitution to the United States, and a $10,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. The IRS Criminal Investigation’s New Orleans Field Office Special Agent-in-Charge, Rodney E. Clarke, stated, “In the case at hand the taxpayer willfully filed false individual tax returns. She omitted substantial gross receipts from a company owned by her and her husband. This resulted in the sentenced handed down today. The identification, investigation and vigorous prosecution of individuals who willfully file false tax returns is essential to maintaining the public’s confidence in our tax system.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Bourgeois, Jr.

17 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - Anderson - Basil - Hardesty Sentencing

THREE SENTENCED ON CHARGES OF THEFT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that three Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola on charges of conspiracy and theft of government property.

JAMAR ANDERSON, age 33, of Gretna, Louisiana, pled guilty on December 29, 2006, to a charge of theft of government property. ANDERSON was sentenced yesterday to three years of probation and twenty-five hours of community service.

BYRON TERRELL BASIL, age 29, of Plaquemine, Louisiana, pled guilty on December 12, 2006, to a charge of conspiracy to steal government property. BASIL was sentenced yesterday to five years of probation, three months of home detention, and a $1,000 fine.

BYRON W. HARDESTY, age 38, of Baker, Louisiana, pled guilty on December 19, 2006, to a charge of theft of government property. HARDESTY was sentenced yesterday to three years of probation and twenty-five hours of community service.

The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. The defendants were charged in a scheme to take, without authority and for personal benefit, air conditioning units from a FEMA storage site, which units were government property worth more than $1,000.

17 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - N Johnson Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

NYOKI JOHNSON, age 27, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to Count One, JOHNSON 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 JOHNSON is sentenced on Count One.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred seven.

17 May 2007 AMITECH Sentencing

AMITECH USA, L.L.C., SENTENCED TO $1,070,000 FINE IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, FOR CLEAN AIR ACT VIOLATION

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that Amitech USA, L.L.C., a pipe manufacturing company located in Zachary, Louisiana, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to pay a fine of $1,070,000, community restitution of $100,000, and serve three years probation based on Amitech’s failure to report unpermitted air emissions, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 7413(c)(2)(A) (Federal Clean Air Act).

The charges arose from an investigation by a federal grand jury, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-CID), the Louisiana State Police (LSP), the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation determined that Amitech’s Zachary facility produced pipe during the Spring of 2003 without the required environmental controls to limit the emission of styrene, a hazardous air pollutant. At the time, William S. McCann was the manager of the facility and knew that the facility was operating without a condenser to limit styrene emissions. Amitech sold the illegally produced pipe to the governments of Venezuela and Jordan for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

William S. McCann, the former plant manager of Amitech’s facility in Zachary, Louisiana, has pled guilty to illegal air emissions, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 7413(c)(4) (negligent endangerment). McCann faces up to one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2007.

United States Attorney Dugas said, “This office will continue to aggressively pursue both individuals and organizations who violate the environmental laws. Such violations often jeopardize the health and welfare of the citizens of Louisiana and will not be tolerated.”

“Criminal enforcement is a top priority precisely because defendants like Amitech knowingly disregard the law to make illegal profits,” said Granta Y. Nakayama, EPA’s Assistant Administrator of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Emission controls protect the air we breathe and when companies and their managers violate the law, they will be vigorously prosecuted.”

Colonel Henry Whitehorn, Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, said he was pleased with the outcome of such an important and arduous investigation. “Complicated investigations of this nature necessitate multi-agency cooperation, and the departments involved in this case have a long history of working together. We take environmental crimes very seriously in our state and will continue to seek out those individuals who continue to have no regard for our environment,” said Colonel Whitehorn.

Harold Leggett of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality stated: “DEQ continues to support the collaborative partnership efforts between state and federal enforcement agents. This partnership fosters good business practices and wise stewardship of the environmental resources of the state.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.

15 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - Toney Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

BRIDGETTE N. TONEY, age 25, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, TONEY 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 TONEY is sentenced on Count One.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred seven.

11 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - Martin - Cummings Sentencings

TWO MORE SENTENCED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court this week on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

KEOSHA MARTIN, age 25, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 26, 2006, to Counts One and Three of an indictment charging her with making false claims for disaster assistance benefits. MARTIN was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to $7,393.69 in restitution and five years of probation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of this matter.

KIM M. CUMMINGS, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 15, 2006, to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. CUMMINGS was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge John V. Parker to $2,000.00 in restitution, three years of probation and fifty hours of community service. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred seven.

2 May 2007 FEMA Fraud - Dabney - Johnson - Maloid - Russell Indictments

FOUR MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES RELATED TO A HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

BATON ROUGE, LA – Four more Louisiana residents were indicted in federal court on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

TAMMY T. DABNEY, age 35; MARK A. JOHNSON, age 32; LATASHA MALOID, age 26; and LORETTA J. RUSSELL, age 48, all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were each charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury 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 Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, per count.

Today’s indictments bring the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred seven.

27 April 2007 FEMA Fraud - C Quinn Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

CHRISTOPHER R. QUINN, age 23, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to a bill of information charging him with aiding and abetting the making of a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As a result of his guilty plea, QUINN faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred three.

26 April 2007 LU Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEA TO CHARGE OF WIRE FRAUD

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that BINH LU, age 49, a resident of Baton Rouge, has pled guilty to a bill of information charging her with wire fraud.

At all times relevant, LU was owner and manager of Thai Binh LLC, doing business as Luu’s Seafood & Deli, which claimed to be a specialty food store located on North Foster Drive in Baton Rouge. Luu’s Seafood & Deli was approved in February 2003 by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to accept food stamp benefits as payment from eligible recipients. The bill of information charges that from in or about April 2004 through in or about October 2006, LU engaged in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Agriculture by knowingly accepting and aiding employees of Luu’s Seafood & Deli to accept between $800,000 and $2 million in food stamp benefits for the sale of ineligible items.

LU could receive a maximum sentence of not more than twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine the greater of not more than twice the gross gain, twice the gross loss, or $250,000, or both the maximum term of imprisonment and the maximum fine. The Court may also order restitution in accordance with law. U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady will sentence LU following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and Food and Nutrition Service, East Baton Rouge Parish Alcohol and Beverage Control, Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Louisiana Department of Social Services, and Baton Rouge Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Bourgeois, Jr.

26 April 2007 FEMA Fraud - Doretta Francis Sentencing

ANOTHER SENTENCED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident was sentenced in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

DORETTA V. FRANCIS, age 36, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 31, 2006, to a bill of information charging her with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. FRANCIS was sentenced today to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred three.

20 April 2007 George "Lattie" Martin Convicted

FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS BUSINESS OWNER OF MONEY LAUNDERING AND MAIL FRAUD

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney David R. Dugas; Special Agent-in-Charge Warren Amburn of the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division ("EPA-CID"); and Special Agent-in-Charge James Bernazzani of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) announced today that GEORGE “LATTIE” MARTIN, age 55, of Walker, Louisiana, was convicted late Thursday by a federal jury of eight counts of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, and eleven counts of money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956.

The jury convicted the defendant on all counts of the Second Superseding Indictment, which charged him as follows:

* Counts One and Two charged the defendant with submitting over $114,000 worth of bogus invoices to the Entergy Corporation in order to seek payment for services that were never performed.

* Counts Three through Eight charged the defendant with paying secret kickbacks to an Entergy manager in exchange for directing over $350,000 worth of Entergy jobs to the defendant’s company, Latico International Incorporated.

* Counts Nine through Nineteen charged the defendant with promoting the carrying-on of the above mentioned frauds by distributing the proceeds of the frauds to his co-conspirator through various financial transactions.

This case is part of an ongoing corruption probe by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, EPA-CID, the FBI, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Louisiana State Police.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys M. Patricia Jones and Corey R. Amundson before Federal District Judge James J. Brady. Sentencing is to be scheduled.

20 April 2007 FEMA Fraud - Hall Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

JACETHEN K. HALL, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count Two of an indictment charging him with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea to Count Two, HALL faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count One of the indictment when HALL is sentenced on Count Two.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred three.

12 April 2007 FEMA Fraud - Brown C - Carter K - Myles C - Indictments

THREE MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES RELATED TO A HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

BATON ROUGE, LA – Three more Louisiana residents were indicted in federal court yesterday on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced.

COURTNEY N. BROWN, age 27, of Port Allen, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with mail fraud (Count One) and with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expedited disaster assistance (Count Two). If convicted on Count One, BROWN faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, BROWN faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

KIM CARTER, age 43, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and COREY A. MYLES, age 38, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, were each charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with mail fraud (Count One) and with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count Two). If convicted on Count One, CARTER and MYLES each face a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, CARTER and MYLES each face a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

These indictments, as well as the indictment against Pierre D. Taylor that was filed on March 15, 2007, stem from an ongoing investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, directed by J.W. (“Jack”) Galvin, Assistant Inspector-in-Charge for the Postal Inspection Service’s Houston Division, and Team Leaders Terry Barrett and C.T. (“Chuck”) Hillard, who supervise the Postal Inspection Service’s field offices in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, respectively. Galvin supervises a regional Postal Inspection Service unit that covers offices in Louisiana and Arkansas. Working with Barrett, Hillard, and the dedicated agents in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Galvin has led the initiative to identify and investigate suspected mail fraud in connection with Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. The four specific cases referenced above were investigated by Postal Inspectors Richard Batchelder, Sheldon Jones, Joseph Okronley, Kyle Shipp, and Chad Swain. Postal Inspectors received assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.

Yesterday’s indictments bring the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred three.

11 April 2007 FEMA Fraud - Andrews - Parker Sentencing

TWO MORE SENTENCED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge John V. Parker on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

STEVEN F. ANDREWS, age 41, of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 17, 2006, to Count Two of an indictment charging him with fraudulently claiming unemployment benefits under the Louisiana Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance program from October 2, 2005, through March 2006. This program was in effect after Hurricane Katrina to expedite disaster relief assistance to claimants who had become unemployed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. ANDREWS was sentenced today to three years of probation and $8,375 in restitution. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

LETETIA PARKER, age 21, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on December 1, 2006, to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. PARKER was sentenced today to three years of probation, $2,000 in restitution, and 50 hours of community service. The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred.

4 April 2007 FEMA Fraud - L Williams Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

LISA MULLIN WILLIAMS, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, WILLIAMS 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 Counts Two and Three of the indictment when WILLIAMS is sentenced on Count One.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred.

2 April 2007 FEMA Fraud - Ridgely Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court on a charge of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

REGMOND D. RIDGELY, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count Two of an indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea, RIDGELY 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 One of the Indictment when RIDGELY is sentenced on Count Two.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred.

The United States Attorney's Office

Middle District of Louisiana

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2007 Press Releases

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