United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Louisiana David R. Dugas, United States Attorney

Mar 23, 2006 Callegan Indictment

Mar 16, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Three More Indicted

March 9, 2006 FEMA Fraud -Joseph Guilty Pleas

March 8, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Three Guilty Plea

March 2, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Seven More Indicted

February 27, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Scott Lee Roberts Arrest

February 16, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Eight More Indicted

February 8, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Tiffany N. Hathorn

February 3, 2006 Alejandro E. Vasquez

January 30, 2006 Operation Snake Eyes Indictments

anuary 20, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Monique Preston - Billy James - Ivory Profit - De'ondra Profit

January 20, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Drewy Whittaker

January 6, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Jamie L. Moore

23 March 2006 Callegan Indictment

United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury indicted LESA A. W. CALLEGAN, age 42, a resident of Plaquemine, Louisiana, on one count of making a false statement to a bank and four counts of wire fraud.

The grand jury alleges that CALLEGAN was the Office Manager and Controller for R.E. Coleman Toyota (Coleman Toyota). It is alleged that CALLEGAN submitted a total of five false and inflated Coleman Toyota financial statements to Bank One or Gulf States Toyota and Toyota Motor Credit Corporation. The grand jury alleges that the false financial statements were submitted in connection with lines of credit provided to Coleman Toyota by Bank One and Toyota Motor Credit Corporation. The indictment alleges that from June 2001 through May 2004, Bank One provided Coleman Toyota with a $10 million line of credit called a floorplan loan. It is further alleged in the indictment that from May 2004 through October 2004, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation provided Coleman Toyota with a $16 million floorplan loan.

The indictment alleges that CALLEGAN falsified Coleman Toyota’s net income on five financial statements. The total false inflation of Coleman Toyota’s net income as alleged by the indictment was over approximately $800,000.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

If convicted on all charges, CALLEGAN faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 110 years, a fine of $2 million, or both.

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

16 March 2006 FEMA Fraud - Three More Joseph Guilty Pleas

THREE MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a
federal grand jury returned indictments against three more Louisiana residents on federal FEMA fraud
charges.

CHRISTOPHER HENDERSON, age 22, VINITA LANE, age 28, and MICHELLE
LONDON, age 31, residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were each charged in two-count indictments
with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and
fraudulent statements to FEMA. The charges resulted from investigations conducted by the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the U.S. Postal Inspection
Service. If convicted, HENDERSON, LANE, AND LONDON face a maximum sentence of five
years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

These individuals bring the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle
District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds to forty-five.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as
charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task
Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes
members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the
Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.

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

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

9 March 2006 FEMA Fraud - Joseph Guilty Pleas

ANOTHER GUILTY PLEA IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that DANA L.
JOSEPH, age 22, a resident of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, pled guilty today before District Court Judge
James J. Brady to Count One of an indictment charging JOSEPH with making false and fraudulent
claims for disaster relief benefits.

As a result of this guilty plea to Count One of the indictment, JOSEPH faces a sentence of
imprisonment of a maximum of five (5) years and 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 JOSEPH is
sentenced on Count One.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina
Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as
charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task
Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes
members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the
Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others. This case was investigated by the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General.

The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with
violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at forty-two.

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.

8 March 2006 FEMA Fraud - Three Guilty Pleas

THREE GUILTY PLEAS IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that three Louisiana residents pled guilty today before District Court Judge James J. Brady to federal FEMA fraud charges.

REGINALD JOHNSON, age 25, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a Bill of Information charging JOHNSON with making a false claim for disaster relief benefits.

LEEANN CRAWFORD, age 24, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today to Count One of an indictment charging CRAWFORD with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster relief benefits. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the indictment when CRAWFORD is sentenced on Count One.

BRUCE P. MANYLUK, age 58, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty today to Count One of an indictment charging MANYLUK with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster relief benefits. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the indictment when MANYLUK is sentenced on Count One.

As a result of these guilty pleas, each defendant faces a sentence of imprisonment of a maximum of five (5) years and a $250,000 fine, or both.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General.

The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds stands at forty-two.

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.

2 March 2006 FEMA Fraud - Seven More Indicted

SEVEN MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury returned indictments against seven more Louisiana residents on federal FEMA fraud charges.

DEBBIE FOSTER, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, FOSTER faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

KEOSHA N. MARTIN, age 24, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits. The indictment alleges that from in or about October 2005, to in or about November 2005, MARTIN was employed by FEMA as an Applicant Assistant whose duties included assisting disaster victims to apply for FEMA benefits. On three separate occasions in September 2005, MARTIN filed or caused to be filed, three fraudulent claims with FEMA for disaster assistance benefits. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, MARTIN faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

SHARON D. DALCOURT, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA regarding damages incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, DALCOURT faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

JENNY L. LOWERY, age 22, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, LOWERY faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

DEDRICK M. JACKSON, age 22, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, JACKSON faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

WHITNEY R. PAUL, age 19, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, PAUL faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

DARREN O. HAYNES, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a five-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits, making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA, and illegal use of a Social Security Number. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, HAYNES faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

These individuals bring the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds to forty-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 Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.

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

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

27 February 2006 FEMA Fraud - Scott Lee Roberts Arrest

ARREST FOR FRAUD IN OBTAINING DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT DEBIT CARDS

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that SCOTT LEE ROBERTS, age 40, formerly of Orlando, Florida, was charged in a criminal complaint signed by a magistrate judge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on February 16, 2006, with wire fraud and false use of Social Security numbers to obtain disaster unemployment debit cards for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Katrina. ROBERTS had been arrested in Sacramento, California, on other charges on January 23, 2006, and was being held in Orlando, Florida.

The criminal complaint, unsealed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, alleges that eight debit cards issued by the Louisiana Department of Labor to pay Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits were in ROBERTS’ possession at the time of his arrest. Based upon information obtained from the applications for these cards, the social security numbers on the applications did not match the legitimate names associated with the social security numbers. The complaint alleges that the eight claims were received by telephone at the Louisiana Department of Labor from the period October 25, 2005, through November 23, 2005, and that the debit cards created as a result of these claims were mailed to various addresses in the Billings, Montana, area.

The subject debit cards were issued by the Louisiana Department of Labor as Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), which provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States. The Louisiana Department of Labor administers the DUA program for the State of Louisiana, the funding for which comes from federal funds provided by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). This arrest brings the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds to thirty-five.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.

The case is being investigated by Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the Sacramento, California, Police Department; and the Billings, Montana, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Hipwell is prosecuting the case in Baton Rouge.

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

16 February 2006 FEMA Fraud - Eight More Indicted

EIGHT MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

            BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury returned indictments against eight more Louisiana residents on federal FEMA fraud charges.

      RONALD A. GUIDRY, age 32, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  If convicted, GUIDRY faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      BETTY FAYE LONDON, age 52, of Wilson, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  If convicted, LONDON faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      BOBBY J. WEATHERTON, age 48, of Prairieville, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  If convicted, WEATHERTON faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      TARSHA JOHNSON, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits, making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA, and illegal use of a Social Security Number.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  If convicted, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      QUINCY LANGLEY, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits, making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA, and illegal use of a Social Security Number.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  If convicted, LANGLEY faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      JOSETTE WILLIAMS, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Louisiana State Police.  If convicted, WILLIAMS faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      LETONYA ALLEN PATIN, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a five-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits, making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA, and illegal use of a Social Security Number.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  If convicted, PATIN faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      GREGORY PATIN, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a five-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits, making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA, and illegal use of a Social Security Number.  The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.  If convicted, PATIN faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

      These individuals bring the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds to 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 members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.

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

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

February 8, 2006 FEMA Fraud - Tiffany N. Hathorn

GUILTY PLEA IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that TIFFANY N. HATHORN, age 25, a resident of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, pled guilty today before District Court Judge John V. Parker to Count One of an Indictment charging HATHORN with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster relief benefits.

As a result of this guilty plea to Count One of the Indictment, HATHORN faces a sentence of imprisonment of a maximum of five (5) years and 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 HATHORN is sentenced on Count One.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud.  The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.  This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General.

The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds stands at twenty-six.

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.

February 3, 2006 Alejandro E. Vasquez

United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that Alejandro E. Vasquez, age 29, of Pomona, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to 120 months imprisonment and ten years of supervised release.
The sentence is based upon the defendant’s guilty plea to one count of enticement for illegal sexual activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b), one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b), and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a).

This case involves Vasquez traveling to Louisiana from California for purposes of engaging in sexual activity with a thirteen-year-old girl he met over the internet. Vasquez picked up the girl in Zachary, Louisiana, with the intention of taking her to Mexico. Over the next two days, Vasquez and the girl drove to Houston and Dallas where they engaged in sexual activity. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dallas, Texas, Police Department apprehended Vasquez and recovered the girl from a Dallas motel during the early morning hours of February 5, 2005.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Baton Rouge, Dallas, and Houston; the Zachary, Louisiana, Police Department; the Louisiana State University Police Department; the Dallas, Texas, Police Department; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office; and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.

30 January 2006 Operation Snake Eyes Indictments

NINETEEN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY, DRUG TRAFFICKING, GUN VIOLATIONS AND MONEY LAUNDERING

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney David R. Dugas and William J. Renton, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced today that nineteen individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Baton Rouge on various charges of conspiracy, drug trafficking, gun violations, money laundering, making false statements to a law enforcement agent, and misprision of a felony.

The indictment was the 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.

The indictment, unsealed today, charges the defendants as follows:

DWAYNE A. TERRELL, age 33, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, illegal use of communications facilities, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and making a false statement to a law enforcement agent.

NICHOLAS D. COOPER, age 27, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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, distribution of cocaine base, distribution of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cocaine base, and illegal use of communications facilities.

ROCHESTER D. ROGERS, age 26, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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, distribution of cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, and illegal use of communications facilities.

JEROME J. KINCHEN, age 20, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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, and illegal use of communications facilities.

MARVIN PATRICK, age 43, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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.

JEFFERY L. FERGUSON, age 31, a Houston, Texas, resident, was charged with 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, unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise, distribution of cocaine, and illegal use of communications facilities.

CHARLES R. BLAKE, JR., age 32, a Houston, Texas, resident, was charged with 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, unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise, distribution of cocaine, and illegal use of communications facilities.

JOSEPH ROLLINS, age 40, a Houston, Texas, resident, was charged with 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, unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise, and distribution of cocaine.

CEDRIC V. JACKSON, age 39, a Houston, Texas, resident, was charged with 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.

KENTON D. HARRELL, age 32, a Houston, Texas, resident, was charged with 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, and unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise.

TERRY W. HAYNES, age 35, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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, and illegal use of communications facilities.

ERSKIN O. CURTIS, age 49, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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, illegal use of communications facilities, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

KENNETH D. LESLIE, age 29, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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 and illegal use of communications facilities.

VANSHION J. BYRD, age 31, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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 andillegal use of communications facilities.

CHARLIE JONES, III, age 42, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, resident, was charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and making a false statement to a law enforcement agent.

DEDRIC J. OLIVER, age 42, a Maringouin, Louisiana, resident, was charged with 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 and illegal use of communications facilities.

TOMMY WALTERS, age 29, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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 and illegal use of communications facilities.

ALBERT HAYNES, age 29, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with 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 and illegal use of communications facilities.

DANIELLE M. PAYNE, age 25, a Baton Rouge resident, was charged with misprision of a felony.

The defendants charged in Count One of the indictment (conspiracy) (TERRELL, COOPER, ROGERS, KINCHEN, PATRICK, FERGUSON, BLAKE, ROLLINS, JACKSON, HARRELL, T. HAYNES, CURTIS, LESLIE, BYRD, OLIVER, WALTERS and A. HAYNES) face a maximum sentence of imprisonment of ten years to life and a maximum fine of $4,000,000; in Counts Two, Three and Four (unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise) (FERGUSON, BLAKE, HARRELL and ROLLINS) face a maximum sentence of imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000 per count; in Counts Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten and Eleven (distribution or possession with intent to distribute) (COOPER, ROGERS, TERRELL) face a maximum sentence of imprisonment of ten years to life and a maximum fine of $4,000,000 per count; in Counts Twelve and Thirteen (distribution of cocaine) (FERGUSON, BLAKE and ROLLINS) face a maximum sentence of imprisonment of five to forty years and a maximum fine of $2,000,000 per count; in Counts Fourteen - Forty-Eight (unlawful use of communications facilities) (TERRELL, FERGUSON, BLAKE, KINCHEN, COOPER, A. HAYNES, WALTERS, OLIVER, CURTIS, ROGERS, LESLIE, BYRD, and T. HAYNES) face a maximum sentence of imprisonment of four years and a maximum fine of $250,000 per count; in Count Forty-Nine (felon in possession of a firearm) (TERRELL) faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment of ten years and a maximum fine of $250,000; in Count Fifty (possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime) (CURTIS) faces a minimum sentence of five years; in Count Fifty-One (conspiracy to launder monetary instruments) (TERRELL, JONES) face a maximum sentence of imprisonment of twenty years and a $500,000 fine; in Count Fifty-Two (false statement to a law enforcement agent) (JONES, TERRELL) face a maximum sentence of imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000; and in Count Fifty-Three (misprision) (PAYNE) faces a maximum sentence of three years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

The OCDETF for the Middle District of Louisiana is comprised of agents from the Baton Rouge Resident Offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Marshal's Service. Other participating members in this OCDETF investigation included the Houston Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office; the Louisiana Alcohol, Tobacco Control Board; the Louisiana State Police; the Louisiana National Guard; the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office; the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Baton Rouge Police Department; the Gonzales Police Department; and the Houston, Texas, Police Department. This OCDETF investigation was coordinated by the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, with AUSA Jennifer Kleinpeter serving as the lead OCDETF prosecutor on the case.

U.S. Attorney Dugas said, "Enforcement of our nation's drug laws is one of the top three priorities of the Department of Justice and a top priority of this office. The indictment unsealed today charges the defendants with operating, or with assisting, one of the most significant drug trafficking organizations in the Baton Rouge area. We will ensure that this matter is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Renton stated that today’s arrests are representative of the ongoing commitment of the Drug Enforcement Administration to target and dismantle the highest level drug trafficking organizations. SAC Renton said, “This investigation and the indictments it fostered has put out of business a significant group of drug distributors who were responsible for selling over 40 kilograms of cocaine per month in the greater Baton Rouge area. We eagerly anticipate the positive effect this enforcement action will have in our community. We hope this serves as a warning to others who might engage in this illegal activity that DEA will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to identify, investigate, arrest and ultimately prosecute those individuals who are so predisposed.”

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, is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty at trial.

20 January 2006 FEMA Fraud - Monique Preston - Billy James - Ivory Profit - De'ondra Profit

FOUR MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

20 January 2006 FEMA Fraud - Drewy Whittaker

INDICTMENT FOR FRAUD IN OBTAINING DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT DEBIT CARDS

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that  DREWEY PIERRE WHITTAKER, age 44, formerly of Villa Rica, Georgia, was charged yesterday by a federal grand jury with five counts of wire fraud and eleven counts of illegal use of Social Security numbers, all alleged to have occurred in connection with his obtaining fifty-one disaster unemployment debit cards from the Louisiana Department of Labor for alleged unemployment loss due to Hurricane Katrina

The indictment alleges that, based upon applications filed with the Louisiana Department of Labor, fifty-one disaster unemployment debit cards were mailed to a post office box that WHITTAKER had rented in Villa Rica, Georgia.  The indictment alleges that 49 of the 51 claims for unemployment assistance were for imaginary people, all had the same date of birth, all had the last name of Ramirez or Garcia, and all had similar Social Security numbers, except for one or two digits.

WHITTAKER was arrested in Albany, Georgia, on December 13, 2005, on a criminal complaint alleging similar violations.  After a probable cause hearing on December 15, he was ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard L. Hodge of the Middle District of Georgia to be transported to Baton Rouge to face charges.  WHITTAKER was transferred to Baton Rouge and is in the custody of the U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Each of the five wire fraud counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years and a $1 million fine.  Each of the eleven illegal use of Social Security numbers counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a $250,000 fine.  If convicted of all counts, the maximum term of imprisonment is 205 years and the maximum fine is $7,750,000.

The total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds stands at twenty-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 Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.

The case is being investigated by Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Service; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  U.S. Attorney Dugas acknowledged the U.S. Marshals Service for its assistance in apprehending WHITTAKER in Albany, Georgia, after he had fled from Villa Rica.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Hipwell is prosecuting the case in Baton Rouge.

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

NOTE:  An indictment is merely an accusation by a grand jury, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial.

06 January 2006 FEMA Fraud - Jamie L. Moore

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment against another Louisiana resident who applied for FEMA relief funds.

JAMIE L. MOORE, age 20, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA.

The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General; and the U.S. Secret Service.  This individual brings the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to FEMA relief funds to twenty-two.

If convicted, MOORE faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count. 

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud.  The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes members from the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspector’s Office, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.

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

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