Criminal Division
Organized Crime Strike Force Unit
The major focus for the Organized Crime Strike Force is the investigation and prosecution of traditional organized crime groups, the La Cosa Nostra (LCN), otherwise known as the Mob or Mafia; Asian and Russian Organized Crime elements; international money launderers; and corrupt public officials. All of these groups have taken advantage of the gambling industry and have moved in to stake their claim in this and other areas.
One of the most recognized accomplishments of this unit has been the prosecution and conviction of former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards arising out of his role as leader of the corrupt enterprise whose objectives included the illegal and corrupt manipulation of the riverboat gaming licensing process during and after his four terms as Governor, and, extortion of various applicants in that licensing process. Also convicted were Edwin's son, Stephen Edwards and his close associates Andrew Martin, Cecil Brown, and Bobby Johnson. The Fifth Circuit recently upheld all the convictions in this case.
In addition, this unit was also involved in successfully convicting, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner James Brown who was the third successive Louisiana Insurance Commissioner to be prosecuted and convicted by this office. Brown was convicted of false statements in connection with his involvement in the Cascade Insurance matter.