BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Riedlinger signed a criminal complaint today against MELESIO NOYOLA, age 20, a resident of Lufkin, Texas, CHRISTOPHER ROBLES, age 21, also a resident of Lufkin, Texas, and JONATHAN BELTRAN, age 19, a resident of Eagle Pass, Texas. The complaint charges all three defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of 21 United States Code, Section 846; distribution of five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 2. NOYOLA, ROBLES, AND BELTRAN made an initial appearance today at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Riedlinger.

If convicted of these charges the defendants each face a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years and not more than life, a maximum fine of $4 million, or both.

These charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Capital Area Gang Task Force, which is comprised of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the Denham Springs Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Also assisting in the investigation were the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

NOTE: A complaint is merely an accusation by a law enforcement official, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial.

23 March Baton Rouge resident charged with Identity Theft

BATON ROUGE RESIDENT CHARGED WITH IDENTITY THEFT

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Docia Dolby signed a criminal complaint on Friday, March 20, 2009, against ALTON DAVIS, age 47, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The complaint charges DAVIS with identity theft in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1028 (a)(7) based on an affidavit submitted by the United States Secret Service alleging that DAVIS fraudulently applied for credit using the names and identifying information of over 30 current and retired police officers of the Baton Rouge Police Department. The affidavit further alleges that DAVIS then used the credit he fraudulently obtained to purchase merchandise that he subsequently sold to unidentified individuals.

DAVIS was arrested on Friday morning, March 20, 2009, and made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Dalby at 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon. The United States Attorney’s Office has moved to detain DAVIS pending trial. A detention hearing has been scheduled for March 25, 2009, before Magistrate Judge Stephen Riedlinger.

The arrest and complaint are based on an investigation conducted by the United States Secret Service Southwest Financial Crimes Task Force consisting of the Baton Rouge Police Department, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Zachary Police Department, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafayette Police Department, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Also assisting in the investigation were the Louisiana Office of Inspector General, the Mandeville Police Department and the LaFourche Police Department.

NOTE: A complaint is merely an accusation by a law enforcement official, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial.

20 March FEMA Fraud - Another Sentenced

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that another Louisiana resident was sentenced yesterday on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program. ANGELA M. JARVIS, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 14, 2008, to mail fraud in connection with the filing of false and fraudulent applications with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. JARVIS was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Postal Inspection 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 seventy-two.

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 the Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice’s 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 March FEMA Fraud - Another Sentenced

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that another Louisiana resident was sentenced yesterday on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program. KIMBERLY N. ST. CYR, age 24, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was convicted after a two-day jury trial on June 24, 2008, on one count of mail fraud and one count of illegal use of a Social Security number in connection with false and fraudulent applications she filed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. ST. CYR filed applications with FEMA using fictitious New Orleans addresses and Social Security numbers that had not been assigned to her by the Social Security Administration.

ST. CYR was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a term of imprisonment of twenty-four months, a term of supervised release of three years following her incarceration, and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter with assistance from the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Department of Labor.

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 seventy-two.

10 March Bill of Information Distribution of Child Pornography

BILL OF INFORMATION IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON A CHARGE OF DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced CHARLES A. ESCOUSSE, age 47, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged today in a Bill of Information with distribution of child pornography. If convicted, ESCOUSSE faces a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than twenty years, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The charge resulted from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the cooperation of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Keene Police Department in New Hampshire. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rich Bourgeois.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.

NOTE: A Bill of Information is a determination by the U.S. Attorney’s Office that there is probable cause to believe that an offense has been committed by the defendant. The defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty at trial.

3 March Milton Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEA IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO COUNTERFEIT CHARGE

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that REBECCA A. MILTON, age 22, of Livingston, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to a Bill of Information charging her with the making of counterfeit United States Federal Reserve Notes.

According to the factual basis in the plea agreement, in or about October 2008, MILTON manufactured approximately forty-three counterfeit one-hundred dollar Federal Reserve Notes, and on or about October 12, 2008, passed some of the counterfeit notes at a fair in Livingston Parish, Louisiana.

As a result of her guilty plea, MILTON faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both. If sentenced to imprisonment, MILTON may receive a term of supervised release after imprisonment of not more than three years. The Court may also order MILTON to pay restitution in accordance with law.

The charge resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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.

18 February FEMA Fraud - Another Sentenced

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that another Louisiana resident was sentenced on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program.

DEBRA D. JACKSON, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 22, 2008, to Count One of an indictment charging her with wire fraud. JACKSON filed an application for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits on August 30, 2005, but FEMA determined that she was not eligible for expedited disaster assistance. On September 19, 2005, JACKSON filed a second application, this time falsely claiming that her primary residence at the time of the storm was on Avenue L in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and that her home and personal property at that address suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. JACKSON also falsely claimed that Hurricane Katrina caused her to have an essential need for food, clothing, and shelter. In fact, JACKSON was not living at the Avenue L address at the time of the storm, and she did not have storm-related damage at that address. The fraudulent application caused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to disburse $2,000 by electronically transferring such funds into a bank account that JACKSON had identified in her fraudulent application for FEMA benefits. JACKSON was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Secret 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 seventy-one.

6 February ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM

ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM AT THE BATON ROUGE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE

BATON ROUGE, LA – Chief Judge Ralph E. Tyson, Judge James J. Brady, Judge John V. Parker, and Judge Frank J. Polozola of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana and the agencies of the federal courthouse will host the Fourteenth Annual Federal Courthouse African American History Month Program at

1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2009, in Courtroom 1, on the third floor of the Russell B. Long Federal Building and Courthouse.

The featured guest speaker will be Trent Johnson, Head Coach of the Louisiana State University men’s basketball team. Musical entertainment will be provided by Mr. Everrett Parker and the A. W. Adkins
Memorial Chorale.

Members of the public and the press are invited to attend. For further information, please contact Michael Jefferson, Assistant United States Attorney, at (225) 389-0443.

4 February FEMA Fraud - Another Pleads Guilty

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

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

TINIKA S. EALY, age 36, of Gonzales, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a bill of information charging her with wire fraud in connection with the filing of applications for loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA provided assistance to the victims of disasters through low interest loans to fund the repair and restoration of storm damaged homes and businesses.

According to the factual basis in the plea agreement EALY caused an application for a home repair loan to be submitted to the SBA in October 2005, and in April 2008 she caused an application for a business loan to be submitted to the SBA. The bill of information alleges that EALY caused false and fraudulent receipts and invoices to be sent via facsimile to the SBA to allegedly support the claims of repairs being performed, when in fact no such work had been done. The submission of the fraudulent receipts and invoices caused the SBA to approve and issue a home repair loan totaling approximately $94,000 and a business loan totaling approximately $125,500.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, EALY faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. She may also receive a term of supervised release after imprisonment of not more than three years.

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 seventy-one.

29 January Indictment Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE

United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging CHARLES R. YOUNG, age 21, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with possession with intent to distribute five (5) grams or more of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).

If convicted, YOUNG faces a sentence of a term of imprisonment of a minimum of five years and a maximum of forty years, and a maximum fine of $2 million.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baton Rouge Police Department.

NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by the defendant. The defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty at trial.

29 January FEMA Fraud - Another Sentenced

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that another Louisiana resident was sentenced on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program.

ROY JOHNSON, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was convicted after a two-day jury trial on February 13, 2008, of three counts of mail fraud in connection with a fraudulent application for expedited disaster assistance benefits. JOHNSON applied for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on September 17, 2005, falsely claiming that he had been living in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and that he had evacuated to Denham Springs, Louisiana. In fact, at the time of the storm, and for all of 2005, JOHNSON was in state custody in the Baton Rouge area. Prior to being incarcerated, JOHNSON lived in Baton Rouge. Through his false and fraudulent representations to FEMA, JOHNSON caused FEMA to mail him three checks for disaster assistance totaling over $14,000. JOHNSON was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to a term of imprisonment of thirty-three months and a term of supervised release of three years following his incarceration. 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 seventy.

28 January FEMA Fraud - Another Pleads Guilty

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

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

STEPHANIE WILLIAMS DONAHUE, age 35, of Baton Rouge pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a bill of information charging her with illegal conversion of government property and making false statements. According to the factual basis in the plea agreement, DONAHUE and others obtained, without authority, a check in the amount of $10,391.51 that was issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to another person who was a true Hurricane Katrina victim. Further, DONAHUE and others caused the FEMA check to be cashed by means of forging the signature of the payee of the check, thereafter dividing the proceeds of the check among themselves. DONAHUE also pled guilty to falsely stating her income during the certification and recertification process for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 rental assistance.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, 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, DONAHUE faces a maximum sentence of fifteen years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, or both. She may also receive a term of supervised release after imprisonment of not more than three years.

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 seventy.

16 January Indictment Conterfeiting

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY TO COUNTERFEIT, COUNTERFEITING, PASSING AND TRANSFERRING COUNTERFEIT OBLIGATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES

United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging DEREK MICHAEL LANDRY, age 29; FRANKIE JUNIOR BALLARD, age 32; and MARIA RUBY LEWIS, age 33, all of Denham Springs, Louisiana, with charges related to counterfeiting United States Federal Reserve Notes.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in December 2008 and continuing to on or about January 1, 2009, LANDRY, BALLARD, AND LEWIS conspired with each other to counterfeit, possess, pass and transfer counterfeited $20 Federal Reserve Notes. The indictment charges that between on or about December 26, 2008, and December 29, 2008, LANDRY and BALLARD printed a number of counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve Notes and distributed some of them to others, including LEWIS and an individual identified as LT. The indictment further alleges that on December 29, 2008, LEWIS and BALLARD each passed a counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve Note at a Burger King in Denham Springs, Louisiana, in order to purchase fast food, and that BALLARD was found possessing two counterfeit twenty dollar bills, all possessing the same serial number.

The indictment charges all three defendants with one count each of conspiracy to counterfeit, possess, and transfer counterfeit obligations of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Each defendant is also charged in one or more counts with passing or possessing with the intent to defraud counterfeit obligations or securities of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472. LANDRY and BALLARD are each also charged with one count of counterfeiting obligations of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 471. In addition, LANDRY is charged with one count of transferring counterfeit obligations or securities of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 473.

If convicted, the maximum sentence the defendants face on the conspiracy charge is a term of imprisonment of not more than five years and a maximum fine of $250,000. The maximum sentence each on the counterfeiting, passing, and transferring of counterfeit notes charges is a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.

NOTE: An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by the defendants. The defendants, of course, are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty at trial.

15 January Guilty Verdict Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon

GUILTY VERDICT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGE OF POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY A CONVICTED FELON

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal jury convicted VALERICK BURRELL, age 32, of Zachary, Louisiana, on a charge of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

The indictment, filed June 11, 2008, charged BURRELL, who had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year (a felony), with knowingly possessing a Heritage “Rough Rider” revolver and a Norico SKS rifle, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson presided over the three and a half day jury trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Jefferson and Joseph E. Blackwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

BURRELL faces a sentence of a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years and a maximum fine of $250,000. Judge Tyson will sentence the defendant following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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.

15 January Guilty Verdict Possession of Child Pornography

GUILTY VERDICT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGE OF POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal jury convicted HENRY LEET, age 43, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, on a charge of possession of child pornography.

The indictment, filed August17, 2006, charged LEET with possession of a computer containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).

U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola presided over the three day jury trial. Assistant United States Attorneys M. Patricia Jones and Corey R. Amundson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

LEET faces a sentence of a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years and a maximum fine of $250,000. Judge Polozola will sentence the defendant following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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.

9 January Guilty Verdict Distribution of Cocaine Base Sentenced

GUILTY VERDICT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF DISTRIBUTION OF COCAINE BASE

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal jury convicted TREMAYNE D. ARMSTEAD, age 34, of Baton Rouge, and TRAVIS L. WILLIAMS, age 28, of Baton Rouge, on felony charges involving distribution of cocaine base.

The indictment, filed March 21, 2007, charged both ARMSTEAD and WILLIAMS on two counts. Count One charged both defendants with conspiracy to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of cocaine base (also known as “crack cocaine”), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. Count Two charged both defendants with distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).

U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola presided over the two and a half day jury trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Kleinpeter and Susan C. Amundson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

ARMSTEAD faces a sentence of a term of imprisonment of not less than twenty years or more than life and a maximum fine of $8 million. WILLIAMS faces a sentence of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years and up to life and a maximum fine of $4 million. Judge Polozola will sentence the defendants following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

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.

9 January FEMA Fraud - Another Indicted, Another Sentenced

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that another Louisiana resident was indicted and another was sentenced on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program.

SANDRA R. DAVIS, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury on January 7, 2009, with mail fraud (Count One) and with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If convicted on Count One, DAVIS faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, DAVIS faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

MARLON D. RANDOLPH, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 21, 2008, to Count One of an indictment charging him with mail fraud. The United States alleged in the indictment and the defendant admitted that he submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits that contained false and fraudulent representations, causing him to receive benefits to which he was not entitled. RANDOLPH was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to six months of community confinement, five years of probation, and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of this matter.

Today’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 seventy.

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 Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew W. Friedrich 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.

8 January Prosecutions Project Safe Childhood

PROSECUTIONS IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, UNDER THE PROJECT SAFE CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today the latest results of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. In Louisiana, this effort is enhanced by the Louisiana Cybercrimes Task Force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force led by the Louisiana Attorney General’s office and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The combined efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana Cybercrimes Task Force, the ICAC Task Force, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Louisiana State Police and other state and local partners have resulted in successful federal prosecutions involving seven (7) individuals on charges of producing, possessing, receiving, and distributing child pornography.

I. THOMAS FIFE CONVICTED

On January 8, 2009, THOMAS FIFE, age 62, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4). During his guilty plea, FIFE admitted to being employed with the Louisiana State University Police Department and possessing child pornography at his assigned location at the LSU South Campus Building on GSRI Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. FIFE also admitted that his offense involved at least ten but fewer than forty images of child pornography and that some of those images involved children under the age of twelve. As a result of his guilty plea, FIFE faces a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, a $250,000 fine, or both. FIFE faces supervised release after imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than life.

II. PAUL RUIZ CONVICTED

On June 16, 2008, PAUL RUIZ, age 49, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, a former Baton Rouge Police officer, pled guilty to distribution of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2). During his guilty plea, RUIZ admitted to distributing and possessing child pornography via the internet. RUIZ also admitted that his offense involved both images and videos of child pornography and that some of those involved children under the age of twelve. As a result of his guilty plea, RUIZ faces a term of imprisonment of not less than five but not more than twenty years, a $250,000 fine, or both. RUIZ faces supervised release after imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than life.

III. LANCE EARL WILLCUTT CONVICTED

On June 19, 2008, LANCE EARL WILLCUTT, age 34, of Zachary, Louisiana, pled guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a). During his guilty plea, WILLCUTT admitted to producing images of a female under the age of 18 years engaging in sexually explicit conduct on two separate occasions. As a result of his guilty pleas, WILLCUTT faces a term of imprisonment of not less than fifteen and not more than sixty years, a $250,000 fine, or both. WILLCUTT faces supervised release after imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than life.

IV. SCOTT THOMAS EHRET CONVICTED

On June 30, 2008, SCOTT THOMAS EHRET, age 44, of Amite, Louisiana, pled guilty to possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4). During his guilty plea, EHRET admitted to possessing child pornography at his residence. EHRET also admitted that 137 of the images he possessed involved victims that had been previously identified by law enforcement and that some of the child pornography he possessed involved children under the age of twelve. As a result of his guilty plea, EHRET faces a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, a $250,000 fine, or both. EHRET faces supervised release after imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than life. EHRET is scheduled to be sentenced on February 12, 2009.

V. DAVID NORMAN CONVICTED

On September 30, 2008, DAVID NORMAN, age 40 , of Denham Springs, Louisiana, pled guilty to receiving child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2). During his guilty plea, NORMAN admitted to receiving and distributing child pornography via the internet. NORMAN also admitted to possessing over 600 images of child pornography, some of which involved children under the age of twelve. As a result of his guilty plea, NORMAN faces a term of imprisonment of not less than five but not more than twenty years, a $250,000 fine, or both. NORMAN faces supervised release after imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than life.

VI. ALAN BEVERS SENTENCED

On June 26, 2008, ALAN D. BEVERS, age 52, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to thirty-five years imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for producing child pornography. BEVERS pled guilty on September 12, 2007, to an indictment charging him with two counts of sexual exploitation of children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251. The indictment charged that BEVERS produced child pornography on two separate occasions involving a thirteen-year-old female and an eight-year-old female. In addition to the thirty-five year prison term and the five years of supervised release, Judge Polozola ordered that this federal sentence be served consecutive to a seven-year sentence BEVERS is currently serving based on charges in Pennsylvania State Court.

VII. GEORGE MARKS SENTENCED

On October 15, 2008, GEORGE S. MARKS, III, age 53, of Durant, Mississippi, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to 108 months imprisonment followed by ten years supervised release for possessing child pornography. MARKS pled guilty on December 18, 2007, to possessing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4). During his guilty plea, MARKS admitted to possessing hundreds of images of child pornography involving prepubescent children while traveling on the Mississippi River as a river boat pilot.

VIII. CONCLUSION

Our District’s implementation of Project Safe Childhood has involved many federal, state, and local agencies, including the FBI; Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Louisiana State Police; the Louisiana State University Police Department; the Baton Rouge City Police Department; the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Zachary Police Department; the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Offices of the District Attorney for the 19th and 20th Judicial Districts; the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office; and the London County, Pennsylvania, Sheriff’s Office. These cases are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Bourgeois and Deputy Criminal Chief Corey R. Amundson who serves as this District’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator.

U.S. Attorney Dugas stated: “The Attorney General has made the protection of our children a top priority of the Department of Justice and our office will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state, and local partners to combat the evil of child pornography.”

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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

7 January FEMA Fraud - Another Pleads Guilty

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

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

HERMAN SHROPSHIRE, age 55, of Baton Rouge pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to an amended bill of information charging him with making a false claim for disaster assistance benefits. According to the factual basis in the plea agreement, SHROPSHIRE filed an application for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits on or about September 2005, falsely claiming that his primary residence at the time of the storm was in New Orleans, Louisiana. In fact, SHROPSHIRE was living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the time. The fraudulent application caused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to disburse two checks for disaster assistance totaling $4,358. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea, SHROPSHIRE faces a maximum sentence of five 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 sixty-nine.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes 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.

The United States Attorney's Office

Middle District of Louisiana

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