DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PUBLIC FORUM
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office
PRESENTATION BY
ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ROBERT C. ABENDROTH
Western District of Louisiana
JANUARY 27, 2016
AUSA Robert Abendroth
Robert Abendroth has been serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana since August of 2014. He is assigned to the Criminal Division in the Lafayette Office, and handles a variety of criminal matters, including narcotics, synthetic narcotics, money laundering, immigration, and crimes against children.
Robert began serving the Department of Justice in June of 2012 in the Western District of Virginia as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. In July of 2013, Robert returned to his home town of Lafayette, Louisiana, to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Office. Robert’s work as a Special Assistant United States Attorney included prosecuting a wide variety of criminal cases including kidnapping, narcotics, money laundering, and child exploitation crimes.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Robert served in the Louisiana Department of Justice as an Assistant Attorney General in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for three years. During his time with the Louisiana Department of Justice, Robert served in both the Criminal Division and the Appellate Section.
Mr. Abendroth received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School.
THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE WESTERN DISTRICT of LOUISIANA
The position of United States Attorney was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789, and provides for the appointment in each judicial district of a "[p]erson learned in the law to act as attorney for the United States... whose duty it shall be to prosecute in each district all delinquents for crimes and offenses cognizable under the authority of the United States, and all civil actions in which the United States shall be concerned..." This same act also established the position of Attorney General of the United States, specified the structure of the Supreme Court of the United States, and created inferior courts, including a district court system which makes up the United States federal judiciary. The Judiciary Act was passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington on September 24, 1789, making the Attorney General position the fourth in the order of creation by Congress of those positions that have come to be defined as Cabinet level positions. Prior to the creation of the Department of Justice in 1870, the U.S. Attorneys were independent of the Attorney General and did not come under the Attorney General's supervision and authority.
The U.S. Attorney is recommended by the senior Senator of a state and appointed by the President of the United States for a term of four years or at pleasure of the President, with appointments subject to confirmation by the Senate. A U.S. Attorney shall continue in office beyond the appointed term until a successor is appointed and qualified.
Most of the trial work in a federal district which the United States is a party is conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office. The Office has three primary statutory responsibilities under Section 507 of Title 28 of the United States Code:
• the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the federal government; • the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and • the collection of debts owed the federal government which are administratively uncollectible.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is one of 94 United States Attorney’s Offices nationwide. The Western District is the largest of the three districts in the State of Louisiana. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has staffed offices in Shreveport and Lafayette with unstaffed branch offices in Alexandria, Lake Charles and Monroe. The office is organized into two legal divisions – Criminal and Civil, and one non-legal division - Administrative.
The Western District of Louisiana consists of 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes. The District is bordered by Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, Mississippi and the Mississippi River to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. With a population of over two million people, the District represents 47.23% of the state’s population and covers two-thirds of the state’s land area. It has five of the seven major urban centers in the state: Shreveport/Bossier, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Alexandria. Three major interstate highways cross the District, Interstate 10 (in the southern part of the district running east to west), Interstate 20 (in the northern part of the district running east to west) and Interstate 49 (in the center of the state running north to south).
The District is also home to two of the largest military installations in the state. Barksdale Air Force Base (which includes Global Strike Command, 8th Air Force, 2d Bomber Wing, and 917th Wing) has 17,000 employees and covers 22,000 acres, and the U.S. Army Post at Fort Polk has 10,971 permanent residents and covers approximately 100,000 acres. Fort Polk houses the Joint Readiness Training Center which trains approximately 50,000 additional troops annually. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has exclusive jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters involving civilians at Barksdale and Fort Polk.
Two of the largest Correctional facilities in the state are located in the Western District - Pollock Federal Penitentiary and Correctional Center and Oakdale Federal Detention Center and Federal Correctional Institution. An Immigration Detention Center is located in Jena, Louisiana. Major Veterans Administration Hospitals are located in Shreveport and Pineville, Louisiana. There are also large national wildlife refuge areas, national forest areas and other significant federal assets throughout the District. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is actively involved in all of these federal enclaves.
The state’s four federally recognized Native American tribal communities, the Chitimacha Tribe, the Coushatta Tribe of La., the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of La., are located in the District, each operating a casino. Jurisdiction in Indian Country is based upon the unique sovereign relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. Congress has criminalized certain acts that take place in Indian Country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases arising in Indian Country involving felonies where either the defendant or the victim is an Indian or both the defendant and the victim are Indian. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also prosecutes cases involving misdemeanors where the defendant is a non-Indian.
The office is responsible for the prosecution of federal criminal statutes for the Western District of Louisiana, for all types of crimes ranging from acts of terrorism to public corruption, complex white collar crime, investment schemes, organized crime and gang activities, civil rights, internet-related crimes, drug trafficking, firearms violations, violent crimes, environmental crimes, tax evasion, illegal immigration and alien smuggling, and many other criminal acts.
The office also is charged, through its Civil Division, to represent the interests of the United States where the federal government is a party in defensive matters including employment disputes, medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto accidents, other tort actions, judicial review of agency decisions and cases challenging the constitutionality of federal statutes and regulatory schemes.
United States Attorney’s Offices represent over 200 federal agencies in civil litigation. Most of the civil suits handled by the Department are defensive in posture and often have huge sums of money or significant federal policies at risk. Defensive litigation encompasses a wide array of matters, including, but not limited to: federal tort claims (including a large number of medical malpractice cases at VA’s, military hospitals and community health centers); employment discrimination; immigration; Bivens; commercial; Social Security disability appeals; bankruptcy; and federal program litigation.
“The United States Attorney is the representative not of an ordinary party to a controversy, but of a sovereignty whose obligation to govern impartially is as compelling as its obligation to govern at all; and whose interest, therefore, in a criminal prosecution is not that it shall win a case, but that justice be done. As such he is in a peculiar and very definite sense the servant of the law, the twofold aim of which is that guilt shall not escape or innocence suffer. He may prosecute with earnestness and vigor -- indeed he should do so. But, while he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones. It is as much his duty to refrain from improper methods calculated to produce a wrongful conviction as it is to use every legitimate means to bring about a just one.” -- Mr. Justice Sutherland in Berger v. United States, 295 U.S. 88 (1935)
The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law December 23, 2015 Follow us on Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
TWO TEXAS MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO TRANSPORTING 28 KILOGRAMS OF COCAINE
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that two Texas men pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to sell approximately 28 kilograms of powder cocaine.
Ricardo Garcia, 28, and Jesus Christian Martinez, 34, both of Brownsville, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute powder cocaine. According to the guilty plea, Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop on February 3, 2015 on a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-20 in Bossier Parish. The vehicle displayed North Carolina license plates but was not registered to either the driver or the passenger. After further investigation, troopers searched the vehicle and found 28 kilogram-size packages of powder cocaine inside of a speaker box.
The defendants each face 10 years to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is set for April 22, 2016.
The DEA-Shreveport Office and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell is prosecuting the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law October 16, 2015 Follow us on Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
MOSS BLUFF MAN SENTENCED TO 98 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR WAREHOUSING AND SELLING MARIJUANA
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Moss Bluff man was sentenced Thursday to 98 months in prison for operating a marijuana sales and transport conspiracy that stretched from Texas to Louisiana.
Daniel Cantu-Lopez, 43, of Moss Bluff, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the March 11, 2015 guilty plea, Cantu-Lopez was warehousing large quantities of marijuana in Houston and distributing it out of his trailer in Moss Bluff. He directed the transport and sales of marijuana from June 2013 to September of 2013 from locations in Texas and Louisiana. During the course of the investigation, 4.9 kilograms of marijuana were seized from Juan Antonio Garcia on June 25, 2013 during a traffic stop in Vinton, La.; 453 grams of marijuana were seized on July 1, 2013 from Bertoldo Tolo Labra while being delivered to Moss Bluff; 380 kilograms of marijuana were seized on July 13, 2013 in George West, Texas, from Jamie Garza who was driving a truck and horse trailer; 4.5 kilograms of marijuana were purchased by an undercover agent on July 17, 2013 from Cantu-Lopez’s associate Lisa Diane Long in Moss Bluff; and 537 kilograms of marijuana were seized in Houston on September 13, 2013 from a pickup truck driven by Garcia.
Long, 51, of Lake Charles, was sentenced on November 11, 2014 to time served and one year of supervised release for one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. On February 5, 2015, Garcia, 59, of Nueva Laredo, Mexico, was sentenced to 44 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and Labra 32, of Morelos, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and two years of supervised release for one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Garza, 47, of Edinburg, Texas, was sentenced on August 11, 2015 to 83 months in prison and four years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
The defendants were arrested as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “Cajun Gallo.” The DEA, the George West Texas Police Department, and the Houston Police Department participated in this OCDETF investigation. The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard C. Parker and Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law June 10, 2015 Follow us on Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
ALABAMA MAN, SHREVEPORT WOMAN SENTENCED FOR METHAMPHETAMINE DISTRIBUTION CONSPIRACY
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that an Alabama man was sentenced to 168 months in prison and a Caddo Parish woman was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Mazda Rasasy, 37, of Daphne, Ala., and Angela Dawn Hardin, 46, of Shreveport, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. They were also sentenced to four years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, Rasasy and Hardin conspired to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in August of 2013. Law enforcement agents seized 69.6 grams of methamphetamine on August 9, 2013 from Rasasy’s vehicle after he became a target in a local methamphetamine trafficking investigation. Agents later searched Hardin’s residence, where another 141.9 grams of methamphetamine and 17 firearms were seized. Agents learned during the investigation that Rasasy occasionally drove methamphetamine from Alabama to Shreveport, and Hardin allowed him to use her home as a base while he sold the methamphetamine in the area. Rasasy has a prior federal conviction for distributing methamphetamine.
The DEA and ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law January 15, 2015 Follow us on Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
LAFAYETTE ATTORNEY SENTENCED TO 121 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR DRUG CONSPIRACY, MONEY LAUNDERING
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Lafayette attorney Daniel James Stanford, 57, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for conspiring to distribute synthetic drugs, conspiring to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, and money laundering.
Stanford, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, one count of conspiracy to introduce or cause to be introduced misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to launder money, and five counts of money laundering. He was also ordered to serve six years of supervised release. The other defendants were sentenced on December 16, 2014. (*For a graphic listing the sentences of the other defendants refer to the end of this document.)
After eight days in trial, more than six hours of deliberation and testimony from 30-plus witnesses, a federal jury found Stanford guilty on August 29, 2014. Stanford was found not guilty on five counts of the indictment, which related to additional money laundering charges.
In September of 2012, Curious Goods LLC and co-conspirators Alexander Derrick Reece, 42 of Gainesville, Fla.; Drew T. Green, 40 of Roswell, Ga.; Thomas William Malone Jr., 48 of Roswell, Ga.; Boyd Anthony Barrow, 46 of Canton, Ga.; Joshua Espinoza, 51 of Marietta, Ga.; Richard Joseph Buswell, 46 of Lafayette, La.; Daniel Paul Francis, 44 of Dawsonville, Ga.; and Stanford were charged in a 16-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute synthetic drugs, conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and various money laundering charges.
At the time of the indictment, Curious Goods LLC was a business based in Lafayette that marketed smoking and other products in stores throughout Acadiana. The stores sold a product called “Mr. Miyagi” that was infused with synthetic cannabinoids. Although mislabeled as a potpourri, “Mr. Miyagi” was sold to be smoked for the sole purpose of getting the consumer “high.” The synthetic cannabinoids infused into “Mr. Miyagi” are considered Schedule I controlled dangerous substances under federal law. From March 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, Curious Goods stores made approximately $5 million from the sale of “Mr. Miyagi.”
Barrow and Espinoza controlled and operated Pinnacle Products LLC/Pinnacle Products Group, based in Marietta, Ga. Pinnacle was the manufacturer of the “Mr. Miyagi” products and supplied the products to the local Curious Goods stores. Pinnacle obtained the synthetic cannabinoids used to manufacture “Mr. Miyagi” from NutraGenomics, which was located in Alpharetta, Ga., and was controlled by co-conspirators Green and Malone. NutraGenomics distributed synthetic cannabinoids throughout the United States.
Stanford, who is a criminal defense attorney, represented himself at trial. During opening statements, Stanford told the jury he was “absolutely not guilty of any of this.” However, at trial, the evidence showed that Stanford was actively involved with the Curious Goods enterprise, that he was well aware that the company sold a product called “Mr. Miyagi,” and that “Mr. Miyagi” was a substance that was infused with synthetic cannabinoids.
Exhibits introduced at trial exposed that “Mr. Miyagi” was specifically labelled “not for human consumption” but was sold as a product that would be smoked by users to get high. The evidence also demonstrated that the product was packaged to be intentionally false and misleading, marketed as potpourri. The exterior package label of “Mr. Miyagi” stated that it was to be used to refresh scents in drawers, closets, and cars. Evidence introduced at trial clearly demonstrated that Stanford knew the product was being consumed by humans, that it was harmful and not a scent refresher, and that the product was marketed to youthful customers. The intentional mislabeling and misbranding, spearheaded by Stanford, were part of a legal strategy and subterfuge to feign compliance with the law, to avoid law enforcement detection, and to avoid civil and criminal liability.
Among the many witnesses testifying at trial were local law enforcement and DEA Task Force agents who testified that during the execution of search warrants on December 8, 2011, they searched all Curious Goods store locations, including the company’s warehouse in Lafayette, and seized approximately 190 pounds of synthetic drugs worth approximately $517,000.
“The sentencing of this last defendant brings an end to this case, but not to our commitment to prosecute those who sell these illegal and dangerous drugs in our community,” Finley stated. “This case highlights how lucrative this industry is and the lengths that criminals are willing to go to profit while endangering the health and safety of citizens. Too many members of our community visited these shops that sold this poison, especially the youth. Stanford’s insatiable desire for money drove him to join this conspiracy and put many, many people in harm’s way. Today, his greed and criminal activity have consequences. Stanford misused his position as an attorney to facilitate the sales of a dangerous drug and to launder money. I want to thank the men and women of the federal, state and local law enforcement for bringing these defendants to justice. They are to be commended for years of hard work to get these illegal substances off the street and hold these criminals accountable. I hope that store owners, franchisees, investors and distributors who want to make a fast buck at the expense of others, think twice and understand that we will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute their criminal activity.”
Buswell was sentenced to 103 months in prison, Green was sentenced 117 months in prison, Malone was sentenced to 117 months in prison, Barrow was sentenced to 70 months in prison, Espinoza was sentenced to 61 months in prison, and Francis was sentenced to 42 months in prison. Green and Malone were also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine. Curious Goods LLC was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. The company was also ordered to forfeit $859,989 in illegal proceeds derived from the scheme, as well as two cars and a speed boat.
The DEA, FBI, IRS, HSI, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Lafayette Police Department conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker, J. Collin Sims, and Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
# # #
*Defendants Prison term Supervised release Fine Counts Drew Green 117 months 3 years $20,000 1 Tommy Malone 117 months 3 years $20,000 1 Boyd Barrow 70 months 3 years 1 Joshua Espinoza 61 months 3 years 1 Daniel Francis 42 months 1 year 2 Richard Buswell 103 months 3 years 1 Curious Goods LLC $40,000 1
The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law July 9, 2014
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
SHREVEPORT MAN SENTENCED TO 264 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR COCAINE DISTRIBUTION
SHREVEPORT, La. – A Shreveport man was sentenced to 264 months in prison and eight years of supervised release for his role in a Shreveport cocaine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today.
Quacy L. Francis, 38, of Shreveport was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas in January 2014, Francis and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base in the Shreveport area from November 2012 to May 2013. The FBI conducted three controlled purchases of cocaine, both crack and powder, from Francis. Francis purchased cocaine from Michael T. Johnson, 40, of Shreveport, and others to be distributed in the Shreveport area. Lemarcus Miller, 32, and Demarkus Miller, 32, both from Shreveport, were also part of the conspiracy.
Demarkus Miller and Lemarcus Miller were each sentenced to 60 months in prison and four years of supervised release on March 27, 2014 and May 16, 2014 respectively. Johnson was sentenced to 120 months in prison and eight years of supervised release on April 28, 2014.
This case is part of an investigation called Operation Dry Cedar conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint multi-agency group consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with a cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking. Operation Dry Cedar was a jointly conducted investigation by the FBI’s Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA, Bossier City Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law March 27, 2014
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
MOTHER, SON PLEAD GUILTY TO SELLING ILLEGAL BATH SALTS
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Verna Dean Oliver, 50, and Daniel Jerome Oliver, 27, both of Lake Charles, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to possession with intent to distribute methylenedioxypyrovalerone and methylone.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty pleas, a package containing methylenedioxypyrovalerone and methylone, also known as bath salts, was intercepted from China on June 8, 2012. It was bound for the Lake Charles home of Verna Oliver and her son, Daniel Oliver. Authorities delivered the package to the home on June 26, 2012. After observing Daniel Oliver sign for the package, they detained Daniel Oliver and Verna Oliver and searched the home. Various quantities of bath salts, scales, and bags were found.
The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and at least three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Sentencing is set for June 26, 2014.
Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth are prosecuting the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law December 5, 2013
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
HOUSTON MAN SENTENCED TO 87 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR METH POSSESSION AND DISTRIBUTION CHARGES
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Ricky Martinez, 44, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Martinez pleaded guilty August 7, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy stopped the defendant on February 13, 2012, for speeding north of Lake Charles. The deputy asked Martinez to step out of the vehicle and saw that he had an open beer container. After the deputy conducted a safety pat-down, $10,540 was found in Martinez’s pants pocket. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy found 10 plastic baggies containing more than 265 grams of methamphetamine, a baggie containing a cutting agent, and a digital scale. Martinez admitted at the guilty plea hearing that he intended to deliver the methamphetamine to other people.
Anthony Frederick “Tony” Giaimis, 49, of Westlake, La., and Justin W. Brewer, 42, of Houston, were also charged in the same indictment with Martinez in August 2012.
A jury found Giaimis guilty on April 10, 2013, of conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, possession of more than five grams of pure methamphetamine and felony weapon possession. Giamis was sentenced on August 1, 2013, to 262 months in prison and six years of supervised release. Brewer was sentenced on July 25, 2013, to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on April 8, 2013.
“Methamphetamine is a harmful and destructive drug,” Finely stated. “Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners will continue to do everything in our power to keep these drugs out of our communities.”
The Westlake Police Department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Combined Anti-drug Team (CAT) Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Regional Laboratory conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law November 14, 2013
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
DESPARADO’S OWNER SENTENCED TO 72 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY
Panos’ wife, two employees also sentenced
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Desperado’s Cabaret owner James Panos was sentenced to 72 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy.
James “Jim” Panos, 56, of Broussard, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for one count of racketeering conspiracy at the now closed Desperado’s Cabaret in Carencro, La. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and agreed to forfeit illegal proceeds, 10 firearms already seized, the Desperado’s property, to include the building and land.
In addition to Panos, his wife, Jennifer Panos, 48, of Broussard, was also sentenced to 48 months in prison and two years of supervised release for one count of racketeering conspiracy, as well as forfeiture of the items listed.
The following former Desperado’s employees were also sentenced today for one count of conspiracy to maintain drug involved premises and distribution of controlled substances: . Tanja Clavier, 29, of Church Point, La. was sentenced to five years probation. . Acquila Latigue, 28, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced to five years probation.
“The defendants conspired to promote an environment of drug abuse and prostitution in our community without regard to the harm it caused,” Finley stated. “This office will continue to work to prosecute anyone who violates the law and damages our communities with these types of activities. I want to thank the law enforcement agencies for their hard work.”
James Panos, Jennifer Panos, Clavier and Latigue are the last defendants in a 10- count indictment to be sentenced. They were charged on May 15, 2013, in an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and firearms charges. The charges are the result of an investigation of drug trafficking, drug distribution, prostitution, and other illegal activity that took place at Desperado’s Cabaret in Carencro located on Northeast Evangeline Thruway.
On August 7, 2014, Desperado’s co-owner Dipak Vora, 70, of Baton Rouge, and five others were also sentenced for their roles in the illegal activity at Desperados’. Vora was sentenced to 10 months in prison, one year of supervised release and a $10,000 fine for one count of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering, and Gerald Cormier, 44, of Carencro, was sentenced to 29 months in prison and one year of supervised release on his conviction for distribution of cocaine.
The following former Desperado’s employees were sentenced August 7, 2014 for one count of conspiracy to maintain drug involved premises and distribution of controlled substances:
. Elias “E.J.” White, 53, of Lafayette, was sentenced to 54 months of probation; . Heike Slattery, 42, of Carencro, was sentenced to two years of probation; . Crystal Sampy, 32, of Lafayette, was sentenced to three years of probation and a $1,000 fine. . Lydia “Unique” Gauthreaux, 32, of Crowley, was sentenced to three years of probation and a $1,000 fine.
In total, 10 defendants were convicted of felony racketeering and drug charges, approximately $1.2 million in assets and proceeds were seized and forfeited, and Desperado’s has been closed since December 5, 2012, and will remain so indefinitely. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and Lafayette Metro Narcotics investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Myers Namie and Daniel McCoy prosecuted the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law June 20, 2013
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
BALL MAN SENTENCED FOR GROWING/SELLING MARIJUANA
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Sidney Earl Wheeler III, 33, of Ball, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 24 months in prison and four years supervised release for manufacture and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities received an anonymous tip that someone in a Ball, La., residence might be growing marijuana plants in a building behind a home. After conducting surveillance of the residence and obtaining a search warrant, authorities discovered two hidden rooms in the building behind the house on June 7, 2012. The rooms contained marijuana plants in various growth stages as well as equipment and materials used to cultivate marijuana. Inside the house, hydrocodone, an AK-47 and ammunition were found. Authorities found more than 100 marijuana plants on the property. At the time of the search, Wheeler was found in the building and was arrested. Wheeler pleaded guilty March 4, 2013.
“This defendant’s drug production and distribution operation was a violation of the law,” Finley stated. “This illegal activity was uncovered thanks to the help of a concerned citizen and investigators who cared about this community. We hope this serves as a deterrent to those who try to profit from illegal drug production.”
The Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Central Louisiana Gang Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
# # # The United States Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana
For Immediate Release www.justice.gov/usao/law February 1, 2013
Stephanie A. Finley United States Attorney (337) 262-6618 [email protected] [email protected]
INVESTIGATION EXPOSES MANSFIELD COCAINE, METH DISTRIBUTION SCHEME
Federal, local officials charge 15 in probe
SHREVEPORT, La: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a year-long undercover investigation resulted in 15 being charged for distributing cocaine and methamphetamine in the Mansfield area.
Federal and local law enforcement officials arrested 12 so far in connection with these charges.
The charges and arrests are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) “Operation Limpiar Casa.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Mansfield Police Department, and the Tri-Parish Task Force which includes DeSoto, Sabine and Red River Parishes, participate in the OCDETF program and conducted the operation.
The defendants face a variety of federal and state charges. Two federal indictments and 10 state arrest warrants to date have been returned.
A federal grand jury returned the first “Operation Limpair Casa” indictment Sept. 4, 2012, charging Bartholomew Claiborne, 25, of Mansfield, with 14 counts of distributing cocaine. Claiborne, who was an elected member of the Desoto Parish School Board, is scheduled to plead guilty to one count of distributing cocaine at 9 a.m. Feb. 7, 2013, in Shreveport. Claiborne faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
A federal grand jury returned a second indictment Jan. 24, 2013, charging Laquon Ashton, 25, of Arlington, Texas; Seneca Colbert, 32; Brian Davis, 37; and Janette Ashton, 53, all three of Mansfield, with multiple counts including conspiracy and distribution of cocaine. Laquon Ashton and Janette Ashton are also charged with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine. The defendants each face 5 to 40 years in prison if convicted.
State distribution of cocaine arrest warrants related to the operation were also obtained for Malcolm Flowers, 24; Johnathan Mcintyre, 23; Curtis Jones, 27; Dominique D. Sanders, 24; Preston Malone, 32; Roderick Canada, 23; Demarcus Green, 24; Mark C. Harris, 42; Roynell O’neal, 23; and James Turner, 37, all of Mansfield.
Federal and local law enforcement officers began making arrests in connection with the case this morning. There are currently 13 defendants in custody. The defendants facing federal charges had their initial appearances before U. S. Magistrate Mark L. Hornsby at 11:00 a.m. this morning.
The following individuals are still being sought by law enforcement: Malcolm Flowers, Roderick Canada, and Roynell Oneal. Anyone with information as to their whereabouts should contact the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Department at (318) 872-3956, or DeSoto Parish Crime Stoppers at (800) 505-STOP.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to keeping our communities safe. Breaking up this drug distribution ring is a huge step in countering the flow of these illegal substances into the community,” Finley said. “I want to thank all the agencies who have partnered with us on this operation and who continue to work to enforce both federal and state narcotics laws.”
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook is prosecuting the case.
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POINTS OF CONTACT
U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley Western District of Louisiana
United States Attorney’s Office United States Attorney’s Office 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2200 300 Fannin Street, Suite 3201 Lafayette, LA 70501 Shreveport, LA 71101 Phone: (337) 262-6618 Phone: (318) 676-3600
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook United States Attorney’s Office/Shreveport, LA Phone: (318) 676-3600
Civil Chief Katherine W. Vincent Lafayette and Shreveport Phone: (337) 262-6618
Criminal Chief Richard A. Willis, Lafayette Phone: (337) 262-6618
Criminal Chief Mary J. Mudrick, Shreveport Phone: (318) 676-3600
Assistant to U. S. Attorney Finley Mona Hardwick Phone: (337) 262-6618
http://www.justice.gov/usao/law/