BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted PHILLIPIA A. WARE, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on charges of making a false and fraudulent claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance benefits (Count One) and making false statements to FEMA (Count Two).

On October 24, 2007, President George W. Bush declared a major disaster in the State of California in response to wildfires burning in portions of California (California Wildfires). The above-referenced indictment charges that WARE, a resident of Baton Rouge, submitted a claim for disaster assistance benefits, falsely stating that her primary residence was in San Diego, California, and that her residence and personal property in San Diego had sustained damage due to the California Wildfires. If convicted, WARE faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard L. Bourgeois, Jr.

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.

18 December 2007 FEMA Fraud - Clark Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

LAWANDA CLARK, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of an indictment charging her with mail fraud. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to Count One, CLARK faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) 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 CLARK 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 thirty-four.

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.

13 December 2007 FEMA Fraud - Evans - Wiley - Cage Indicted, Foster Guilty Plea

THREE MORE INDICTED, ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES

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

CHRISTOPHER A. EVANS, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment by a federal grand jury yesterday with five counts of mail fraud. The indictment alleges that EVANS received more than $18,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief benefits to which he was not entitled. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted, EVANS faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, per count.

CHIQUITA L. WILEY, a/k/a Chiquita L. Griffin, age 33, of Port Allen, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment by a federal grand jury yesterday with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits and with making false statements to FEMA. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted, WILEY faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, per count.

DENEATRICE D. CAGE, age 29, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment by a federal grand jury yesterday with one count of mail fraud (Count One) and one count of making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If convicted on Count One, CAGE faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, CAGE faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

CORRINE FOSTER, age 52, of Franklin, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to count one of an indictment charging her with wire fraud. FOSTER filed a fraudulent application for disaster unemployment benefits and, through her application and subsequent fraudulent representations to the Louisiana Department of Labor, FOSTER received $7,545 in benefits to which she was not entitled. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to count one of the indictment, FOSTER faces a maximum sentence of twenty 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 FOSTER is sentenced on count one.

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 thirty-four.

13 December 2007 Thompson - Jackson Superseding Indictment

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY, WIRE FRAUD, MAIL FRAUD,
MONEY LAUNDERING, ACCESS DEVICE FRAUD, AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT, BANK FRAUD, COMPUTER FRAUD, AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas and Special Agent-in-Charge James Bernazzani of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 21 count superseding indictment against ROBERT THOMPSON, also known as John Lawson, age 41, of Zachary, Louisiana, and ECKNOZZIO C. JACKSON, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The superseding indictment charges THOMPSON with conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, bank fraud, computer fraud, obstruction of justice, and forfeiture. JACKSON is charged with conspiracy, mail fraud, and bank fraud. If convicted, THOMPSON faces over 300 years in prison and JACKSON faces 55 years in prison.

The superseding indictment charges that THOMPSON engaged in a scheme to obtain and use the personal and financial information of over 55 individuals and businesses, without their knowledge or authorization, to steal from their bank accounts and use their credit to obtain things of value, including attempting to steal $18,000,000 from one victim’s bank accounts. The superseding indictment further charges that JACKSON, while working as a correctional officer in the special lockdown unit at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, agreed to provide THOMPSON with access to cell phones to further his scheme in exchange for a bribe of $10,000.

Two other individuals have also been charged in this investigation. BARBARA J. THOMAS, a former corrections officer at J.B. Evans Correctional Center, has pled guilty to wire fraud in connection with her involvement in this matter. KELVIN ARCHIE has been charged in a bill of information with one count of use of an authorized access device and awaits trial.

This ongoing investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the security and investigations staff of the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Many other agencies have assisted in the investigation, including the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office; the 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.

6 December 2007 FEMA Fraud - Toney Sentenced

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.

BRIDGETTE N. TONEY, age 25, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 15, 2007, to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for disaster assistance benefits. TONEY was sentenced today to two 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 thirty-one.

29 November 2007 McMullen Sentenced

LOUISIANA RESIDENT SENTENCED ON CHARGES OF ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A FEDERAL WITNESS AND THEFT FROM A HEALTHCARE BENEFIT PROGRAM

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady sentenced DONOVON R. McMULLEN, JR., age 43, of Bethany, Louisiana, to 167 months imprisonment and $48,000 in restitution based upon McMULLEN’s conviction on two counts of attempting to murder a federal witness and one count of theft from a health care provider.

The case was investigated by Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. Numerous federal, state, and local agencies have assisted with this operation, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas; the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Dolgeville, New York, Police Department; the Dallas, Texas, Police Department; and the Rockville, Texas, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey Amundson.

29 November 2007 FEMA Fraud - DeClouet - Brown Sentenced

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were 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.

TIMOTHY E. DeCLOUET, age 39, of New Iberia, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 30, 2007, to a bill of information charging him with access device fraud in connection with his obtaining disaster unemployment benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Rita. DeCLOUET defrauded the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) by applying for and receiving approximately $3,822 in benefits under the disaster unemployment assistance program from on or about September 29, 2005, to on or about June 27, 2006, while failing to notify LDOL of his unemployment after the storm. DeCLOUET was sentenced today to two years of probation, fifty hours of community service, and $3,822 in restitution, which he has already paid. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

COURTNEY BROWN, age 27, of Port Allen, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 2, 2007, to Count Two of an indictment charging him with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance. BROWN was sentenced today to ten months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, three years of probation, and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service 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 thirty-one.

27 November 2007 Unsealing of Guilty Plea

UNSEALING OF GUILTY PLEA TO CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT BANK FRAUD AND BRIBERY AND BANK FRAUD

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced the unsealing yesterday of a bill of information and guilty plea of CHAUNDRA A. JONES, age 29, of Gonzales, Louisiana. JONES pled guilty in December 2006 before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to a bill of information charging her with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344.

The defendant admitted to the following facts during her guilty plea and in her written plea agreement. From May 2006 until July 2006, while working as a loan processor at the Ascension Credit Union, she received over $40,000 in bribes from loan applicants in exchange for creating and submitting approximately 37 fraudulent applications seeking over $500,000 in loans. In an attempt to conceal and disguise the scheme, the defendant received some of the bribes through various bank accounts on which the defendant had signatory authority.

The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 35 years imprisonment, a $1,250,000 fine, or both. Sentencing has not yet been set.

U.S. Attorney Dugas stated: “This office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who betray the public’s trust and use their position to corruptly line their own pockets. Ascension Parish Credit Union should be commended for its quick response and cooperation with local and federal authorities. Each of us needs to play such an active role in order to defeat corruption.”

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.

15 November 2007 FEMA Fraud - Fetter Indictment

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that on November 15, 2007, a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Louisiana returned a two count indictment against LONNIE FETTER, age 51, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements.

Count One of the indictment alleges that on or about June 22, 2007, FETTER did knowingly destroy and mutilate a forged U.S. Small Business Administration Mortgage Loan Commitment with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation of a matter within the jurisdiction of the United States Secret Service, a department and agency of the United States.

Count Two of the indictment alleges that on or about August 16, 2007, in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch of the United States, FETTER knowingly and willfully did make false and fraudulent material statements and representations to an agent of the United States Secret Service when in a written statement he falsely stated: 1) “I have no knowledge of any documentation pertaining to Key Point / American Gateway / S.B.A. Being hidden or Distroyed;” and 2) “I in addition Did Not Distroy any Evidence or Documents pertaining to the above mentioned crimes.”

If convicted, FETTER faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on Count One and a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on Count Two.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Bourgeois, Jr.
U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Matthew L. Issman stated that today’s indictment culminates an eleven-month joint investigation with the U.S. Secret Service, and highlights the results of seamless working relationships with other Federal law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office and the commitment of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General to “follow the money” and to take fraud investigations wherever they may lead. This is yet another success story of government law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working together with a common mission. We hope this resulting indictment sends a strong message to those who would attempt to conceal evidence and obstruct investigative efforts by extraordinary means that they cannot use subterfuge to evade detection.
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.

15 November 2007 FEMA Fraud - Branch - Morris Guilty Plea

TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

JOEL J. BRANCH, age 33, of Jonesville, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As a result of his guilty plea to Count One, BRANCH 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 BRANCH is sentenced on Count One.

ARETHA L. MORRIS, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for disaster assistance 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, MORRIS 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 MORRIS 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 thirty.

06 November 2007 Ortega Convicted

CONVICTION IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF MAILING A THREATENING LETTER
TO A FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that on November 5, 2007, a federal jury in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, convicted BRANDON ORTEGO, age 21, a resident of Bunkie, Louisiana, on three counts of mailing a threatening letter to a federal law enforcement officer.

The indictment charged ORTEGO with sending three threatening letters to an FBI agent containing a threat to injure that agent and her family. The letters were sent in September of 2005 while ORTEGO was an inmate at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center.

Judge James J. Brady presided over the one-day jury trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Blackwell and Walt Green prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

The defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to thirty years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $750,000. Judge Brady will sentence the defendant following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center.

06 November 2007 FEMA Fraud - Buggage Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

NADINE A. BUGGAGE, age 35, of Napoleonville, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count One of an indictment charging her with wire fraud in connection with obtaining disaster unemployment benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Katrina. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to Count One, BUGGAGE faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) 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 BUGGAGE 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 thirty.

02 November 2007 FEMA Fraud - Haynes Sentenced

ANOTHER SENTENCED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

DARREN O. HAYNES, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 21, 2006, to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. HAYNES was sentenced yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a term of imprisonment of twelve (12) months, three years of supervised release, and $4,000 in restitution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration’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 thirty.

02 November 2007 Matthews Guilty Plea

LOUISIANA RESIDENT SENTENCED ON FIREARM CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that DAMEON MATTHEWS, age 22, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. MATTHEWS pled guilty to the charge on June 23, 2007, and was sentenced today to a term of imprisonment of thirty-seven months and three years of supervised release. The charge against MATTHEWS arose out of a February 10, 2007, report of shots being fired outside of Macy’s department store at the Mall of Louisiana.

The case was investigated by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph E. Blackwell.

01 November 2007 FEMA Fraud - One Sentenced, Two more plead guilty

ANOTHER SENTENCED, TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident was sentenced and two more pled guilty this week in federal court on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced.

IVORY PROFIT, age 32, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 12, 2006, to a bill of information charging him in Count One with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and in Count Two with illegal use of Social Security numbers. PROFIT was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to five years of probation, two months of home confinement, and $54,716 in restitution to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

ALVIN L. JOHNSON, age 46, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 29, 2007, before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count One of an indictment charging him with mail fraud. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As a result of his guilty plea to Count One, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) 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.

IRIS L. ROBERTS (a.k.a. IRIS L. DAVIS), age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 29, 2007, 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 assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to Count One, ROBERTS 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 ROBERTS 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 thirty.

29 October 2007 Six arrested on drug trafficking charges

SIX ARRESTED ON DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that DEA and ATF, working with local law enforcement agencies, have made arrests in three major drug trafficking cases in the Baton Rouge area over the last several weeks.

ANDRES LOYA-PALMA and ROGELIO LOPEZ-FERNANDEZ

On October 25, 2007, a criminal complaint was signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Docia L. Dalby of the Middle District of Louisiana charging ANDRES LOYA-PALMA and ROGELIO LOPEZ-FERNANDEZ with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. LOPEZ-FERNANDEZ has also been charged with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The complaint charges that a DEA Confidential Source negotiated the purchase of three kilograms of cocaine from LOYA-PALMA. During the undercover operation and subsequent arrests, agents seized approximately five kilograms of suspected cocaine HCL and one firearm. The conspiracy and drug distribution charges carry a sentence of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison. The firearms charge carries a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, with the firearms sentence to run consecutively to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking charges.

The cocaine seized as a result of this investigation is suspected of having been recently smuggled into the United States from Mexico. The United States Attorney’s Office requested that Judge Dalby detain the individuals. The defendants stipulated to detention and are incarcerated based on an order of the Court. Prosecution of this case is being pursued by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.

LARRY COLEMAN

In October 2007, the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives began a joint investigation with the Baton Rouge Police Department – Narcotics Division, into alleged drug trafficking activities of Baton Rouge resident LARRY COLEMAN. On October 24, 2007, a Criminal Complaint was signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Docia L. Dalby charging COLEMAN with possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). In addition, the Complaint charges that COLEMAN, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, a felony, knowingly possessed a firearm, that is, a Taurus, Model 689, .357 caliber revolver, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in prison.

JESUS FACUNDO, TILICUIS IRVIN and BRIAN MAXSON

On September 18, 2007, U.S. Magistrate Judge Docia L. Dalby signed a Criminal Complaint charging TILLICUIS IRVIN, a resident of Darrow, Louisiana, JESUS FACUNDO, a resident of Pearland, Texas, and BRIAN MAXSON with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). These charges resulted from an investigation by a DEA Task Force that began in May 2007 into alleged illegal narcotics activities in the Middle District of Louisiana of IRVIN, FACUNDO, MAXSON, and others. The complaint charges that a DEA Confidential Source (CS) revealed that IRVIN negotiated the lease of a residence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be utilized as a storage/distribution facility for FACUNDO, who would become IRVIN’s source of supply. In the Complaint, FACUNDO was identified as having ties to Mexican and Colombian narcotics trafficking organizations, and has previously been identified as the main supplier for high level narcotics traffickers in Baton Rouge. During the undercover operation and subsequent arrests, agents seized approximately ten kilograms of cocaine, two firearms, and approximately $55,000 in U.S. currency.

On September 27, 2007, a federal grand jury returned an indictment with the following charges. FACUNDO was charged in the indictment with two counts of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). IRVIN was charged in the indictment with one count of maintaining drug-involved premises in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; one count of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 , United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A); and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). MAXSON was charged in the indictment with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and one count of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). If convicted, the defendants face a sentence of a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life.

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.

25 October 2007 FEMA Fraud - Maloid Sentenced

ANOTHER SENTENCED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL 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.

LATASHA MALOID, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 26, 2007, to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for disaster assistance benefits. MALOID was sentenced today to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. 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 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 thirty.

25 October 2007 Ficklin Sentenced

FORMER SHERIFF SENTENCED FOR TRAFFICKING IN STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLES, REMOVING AND ALTERING MOTOR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS, MAIL FRAUD, AND AIDING AND ABETTING POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A CONVICTED FELON

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that RONALD R. “GUN” FICKLIN, age 53, former Sheriff of St. Helena Parish, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge James J. Brady to a term of imprisonment of 63 months following his guilty pleas last February to seventeen counts of a superseding indictment. The charges for which FICKLIN was sentenced are as follows: one count of trafficking in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts with removed and altered identification numbers, one count of removing and altering motor vehicle identification numbers, fourteen counts of mail fraud, and one count of aiding and abetting possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The Factual Basis filed by the United States in support of FICKLIN’s guilty pleas described FICKLIN’s participation in the operation of a “chop shop” in St. Helena Parish at which the VINs of stolen vehicles were replaced with VINs from salvaged vehicles purchased at auction. In particular, the Factual Basis alleged that FICKLIN sold a stolen truck to the Mayor of Greensburg and that FICKLIN and another individual switched the VIN plate on a stolen Mitsubishi Galant. In support of the mail fraud charges, the Factual Basis also alleged that FICKLIN defrauded the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections by using state inmates to work at the chop shop and on his own vehicles. Finally, the Factual Basis alleged that FICKLIN bought a shotgun for a close friend who was a convicted felon.

Barry Edward Dawsey, James Jackson, Mitchell Tidwell, Denman Cutrer and Kevin Simmons have pled guilty in federal court to charges related to their participation in the chop shop. In addition, Cori Leigh Clark and Alton Hoyt McNabb, II, pled guilty to tampering with a witness in the case by attacking a detective with the Louisiana State Police who was involved in the investigation.

U.S. Attorney Dugas said, “Public corruption is corrosive and harmful to government and to the citizens that government officials are elected to serve. We ask law abiding citizens who witness corruption to report it to the FBI or the U.S. Attorney's Office.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Louisiana State Police; the Mississippi Highway Patrol; and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture; and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys M. Patricia Jones and Ian F. Hipwell.

24 October 2007 Divincenti Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEA IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO CHARGES OF RECEIVING AND POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BATON ROUGE, LA – MICHAEL S. DIVINCENTI, age 27, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a bill of information charging him with possessing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B); receiving child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2); and forfeiture, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2253, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced. DIVINCENTI faces a total maximum sentence of not less than five (5) years and not more than thirty (30) years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

This investigation has involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Baton Rouge Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson, who serves as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. Sentencing has not yet been set.

18 October 2007 FEMA Fraud - Taylor Indicted - Smith Guilty Plea

ANOTHER INDICTED, ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident was indicted and another pled guilty in federal court yesterday on charges of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced.

CHERYL M. TAYLOR, age 47, of Greensburg, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment by a federal grand jury yesterday with bank fraud. The indictment alleges that TAYLOR fraudulently altered the face of a check issued to her by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster relief benefits so that the check appeared to be payable to her in an amount of $10,000 more than the true amount of the check. It is further alleged that TAYLOR caused these funds to be deposited into her personal bank account, and later withdrew the funds, knowing that the funds obtained were based on the deposited amount of the FEMA check that she had fraudulently altered. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted, TAYLOR faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.

LESLIE A. SMITH, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to count one of an indictment charging her with mail fraud. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of her guilty plea to count one of the indictment, SMITH faces a maximum sentence of twenty 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 SMITH is sentenced on count one.

Yesterday’s indictment brings 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 thirty.

17 October 2007 Alfred Menconi Indictment

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON WIRE FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Louisiana returned a five-count indictment against ALFRED F. MENCONI, age 70, of Parkland, Florida, on charges of wire fraud.

The indictment alleges that at all times relevant, MENCONI was Vice President of Transcaribbean Airways, N.V. (TCA), a company domiciled in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, and authorized to do business in Louisiana. TCA allegedly planned to establish cargo and passenger flight operations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and applied for funds from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LDED) under its “Workforce Development and Training Program.” This program is designed to develop, provide, and pay for customized workforce training to existing and prospective Louisiana businesses. TCA was awarded a contract by LDED to provide funds for the projected training of 162 new employees in Louisiana. To substantiate its claims, TCA was required to file Cost Reports with LDED. In or about November 2002, December 2002, January 2003, March 2003, and April 2003, MENCONI submitted Cost Reports to LDED that allegedly contained false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement for workforce training that had not been provided. As a result, total disbursements of approximately $519,308 were made by LDED to TCA.

If convicted on all counts, MENCONI faces a maximum sentence of one hundred years imprisonment and fines totaling $1,250,000.

The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.

17 October 2007 Oliver Moore Indictment

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES, FORGERY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES, AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO A FEDERALLY INSURED BANK

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Louisiana returned a five-count indictment against OLIVER MOORE, III, age 49, of Huntsville, Alabama, on charges of making false statements to the United States, forgery against the United States, and for making false statements to a federally insured bank.

The indictment alleges that MOORE was a civilian employee of the United States Army assigned to the 321st Theater Material Management Command, Army Materials Command, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In or about May 2005, and again on or about September 15, 2005, MOORE allegedly forged the signature of a contracting and ordering officer of the U.S. Army, and issued a false contract number to appear to validate the purchase by the U.S. Army of 40,000 pairs of tactical safety eyewear from a particular retail company, when, in fact, the Army had not ordered the glasses. On or about October 5, 2005, MOORE made a false statement to Fidelity Bank of Baton Rouge, in connection with a line of credit to another company whose loan was secured by a pledge of accounts receivable of the company MOORE falsely indicated to have received the contract. The false statement was an email message made to appear to be from a U.S. Army finance clerk and attaching a copy of one of the forged contracts.

If convicted on Counts One and Three (making false statements to the United States), MOORE could receive a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, per count. If convicted on Counts Two and Four (forgery against the United States), MOORE could receive a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both, per count. If convicted on Count Five (making false statements to a federally insured bank), MOORE could receive a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.

The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, the Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.

12 October 2007 FEMA Fraud - Hall - Williams Sentenced, Major - Bowman Guilty Plea

TWO MORE SENTENCED, TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

JACETHEN HALL, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 20, 2007, to Count Two of an indictment charging him with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expedited disaster assistance. HALL was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to a term of imprisonment of seven months and $2,000 in restitution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

LISA M. WILLIAMS, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 4, 2007, to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. WILLIAMS was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to three years probation and $2,000 in restitution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

KIM W. MAJOR, age 48, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge John V. Parker to Count One of an indictment charging her with mail fraud. The indictment alleges that in September of 2005, MAJOR filed two fraudulent claims for FEMA disaster assistance. The indictment alleges that in the second application, which MAJOR filed using the name “KIMWONG BAIRD,” she falsely claimed that her primary residence at the time of the storm was in New Orleans, Louisiana. The United States has charged that MAJOR was able to sustain her fraudulent scheme by obtaining a driver’s license bearing her name and picture but containing the New Orleans address she had used in her FEMA application, which she then used in subsequent correspondence with FEMA regarding the application. The defendant received more than $25,000 in disaster assistance benefits to which she was not entitled. She has agreed to repay this entire amount pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Secret Service. As a result of her guilty plea, MAJOR faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss the remaining counts of the indictment when MAJOR is sentenced.

KIMBERLY S. BOWMAN, age 21, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge John V. Parker to Count One of an indictment charging her with mail fraud. The indictment alleges that BOWMAN filed two fraudulent claims for FEMA disaster assistance and received $2,000 for each fraudulent claim. The indictment also alleges that BOWMAN submitted a fraudulent claim to FEMA and the Louisiana Department of Labor for disaster unemployment assistance, falsely reporting that she had lost her job as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina. Through this application, in addition to the FEMA disaster assistance benefits she had already received, the defendant received approximately $4,255 in unemployment assistance benefits to which she was not entitled. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, BOWMAN faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss the remaining counts of the indictment when BOWMAN is sentenced.

The total 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 twenty-nine.

11 October 2007 Terrell - Harrell - Byrd Sentenced

THREE SENTENCED ON CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY, DRUG TRAFFICKING, GUN VIOLATION, AND MONEY LAUNDERING

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that DWAYNE A. TERRELL, age 33, of Baton Rouge, KENTON D. HARRELL, age 34, of Houston, Texas, and VANSHION J. BYRD, age 31, of Baton Rouge, were sentenced this morning by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson.

TERRELL was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 327 months followed by five years of supervised release. TERRELL had previously pled guilty on August 30, 2006, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and fifty grams or more of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and fifty grams or more of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); unlawful use of communications facilities, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b); felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h).

HARRELL was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 37 months. HARRELL had previously pled guilty on April 18, 2007, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and fifty grams of more of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1952(a)(3).

BYRD was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 188 months. BYRD had previously pled guilty on September 20, 2006, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and fifty grams of more of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and unlawful use of communications facilities, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.

These defendants were prosecuted as a result of “Operation Snake Eyes,” an extensive investigation conducted by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for the Middle District of Louisiana. The OCDETF is a multi-agency task force formed to investigate and prosecute criminal groups and individuals who organize, direct, finance, or are otherwise engaged in high level drug trafficking and related financial crimes. In addition to today’s sentencings in this matter, Operation Snake Eyes has resulted in the conviction of seventeen defendants. Nine of the defendants have been sentenced including the three sentenced this morning. Seven of the defendants are awaiting sentencing. One additional defendant remains a fugitive.

03 October 2007 FEMA Fraud - McGee Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

CLARENA M. McGEE, age 56, of Fluker, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of an indictment charging her with wire fraud. The indictment alleges that McGEE defrauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Louisiana Department of Labor by filing an application for unemployment assistance using the name and Social Security number of another individual. Fraudulently posing as this other individual, the defendant is alleged to have received more than $7,700 in benefits to which she was not entitled. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to Count One, McGEE faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) 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 McGEE 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 twenty-nine.

The United States Attorney's Office

Middle District of Louisiana

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