BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

BILLY R. JAMES, age 30, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 9, 2006, to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. JAMES was sentenced to three months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and $2,000 in restitution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation of this matter.

DEDRICK M. JACKSON, age 23, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 30, 2006, to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. JACKSON was sentenced to three years probation and $2,000 in restitution. 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 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 seventy-four.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

27 September 2006 FEMA Fraud - Martin Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

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

KEOSHA N. MARTIN, age 24, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Counts One and Three of an indictment, each count charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita disaster assistance benefits. The indictment alleged 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. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. As a result of her guilty plea to Counts One and Three of the indictment, MARTIN faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, or both, per count. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count Two of the indictment when MARTIN is sentenced on Counts One and Three.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at seventy-four.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and
others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

21 September 2006 FEMA Fraud - Dalcourt Sentenced - Wagner Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY, ANOTHER SENTENCED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

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

GENEVA M. WAGNER, age 31, of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday to an indictment charging her with wire fraud in obtaining disaster unemployment benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Katrina. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. As a result of this guilty plea, WAGNER faces a maximum sentence of twenty years, a $250,000 fine, or both.

SHARON D. DALCOURT, age 46, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 24, 2006, to an indictment charging her with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA regarding damages incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. She was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola yesterday to three years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and $2,608.26 in restitution. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of
Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 seventy-four.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

6 September 2006 FEMA Fraud - 6 Indicted DeClouet-Turner-Jones-Becnel-Toney-Franklin

SIX MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES RELATED TO HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS

BATON ROUGE, LA – A federal grand jury returned indictments against six more Louisiana residents on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

TIMOTHY E. DeCLOUET, age 38, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was charged in a one- count indictment with wire fraud in obtaining disaster unemployment benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Rita. DeCLOUET is charged with defrauding the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) by applying for benefits under the disaster unemployment assistance program from on or about
September 29, 2005, to on or about June 27, 2006, while allegedly failing to notify LDOL of his employment after the storm. These funds were intended for persons who had become
unemployed as a result of the disaster. The charge resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. If convicted, DeCLOUET faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

WANDA TURNER, age 28, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment with wire fraud in obtaining disaster unemployment benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Rita. TURNER is charged with defrauding the Louisiana Department
of Labor (LDOL) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration by applying for benefits under the Unemployment Insurance program (administered by LDOL and funded from
both private employment contributions and the federal government), the Extended Benefits program (also funded from private employment contributions and the federal government), and the disaster unemployment assistance program (administered by the LDOL and funded by FEMA), from on or about October 31, 2005, to on or about May 19, 2006, while allegedly failing to notify LDOL of her employment after the storm. The charge resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. If convicted, DeCLOUET faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

KOIEASHA JONES, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count One)
and with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the
U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. If convicted on Count One, JONES faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, JONES faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

ROBIN BECNEL, age 44, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance. The charge resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. If convicted, BECNEL faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or
both.

BRIDGETTE N. TONEY, age 24, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two- count indictment with making a false and fraudulent claim 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. If convicted, TONEY faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a
$250,000 fine, or both, per count.

EDWIN L. FRANKLIN, age 24, of Port Allen, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted, FRANKLIN faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, per count.

These six individuals bring to seventy-four the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief
funds.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

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/she is proven guilty at trial.

31 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Williams - Shelton - Hinton Sentencings

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – Three Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

JOSETTE WILLIAMS, age 29, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. She was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John V. Parker to five years probation, 50 hours of community service, and $14,749.51 in restitution. The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation of this matter.

ANTONIO D. SHELTON, age 21, TAKEISHA D. HINTON, age 21, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, each pled guilty to Count One of an indictment charging them with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. SHELTON and HINTON were
each sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Ralph E. Tyson to three years probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General,
and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 Katrina relief funds stands at sixty-eight.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

29 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Joseph Sentencing

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that another Louisiana resident was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs.

DANA L. JOSEPH, age 23, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, pled guilty to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. She was sentenced to five years probation, 60 days of home detention, and $2,000 in restitution.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 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 Katrina relief funds stands at sixty-eight.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

25 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Deamer Guilty Plea

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that another Louisiana resident pled guilty in federal court yesterday to a violation related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds.

DERRICK W. DEAMER, age 34, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits.

As a result of his guilty plea to Count One of the indictment, DEAMER faces a sentence of imprisonment of a maximum of five (5) years, 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 DEAMER 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 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 total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at sixty-eight.

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.

25 August 2006 Hoffman Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEA TO CHARGES OF THEFT FROM AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN AND BANK FRAUD

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that JAMES M. HOFFMAN, III, age 55, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty yesterday to a two-count bill of information charging him with theft from an employee benefit plan and for bank
fraud.

As part of the guilty plea proceeding, HOFFMAN admitted that from in or about January 2002 to about August 2003, as Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer of Plant Specialties Control, Inc. (PSC), and a director and CEO of FH Controls, Inc., a company
affiliated with and wholly owned by PSC, HOFFMAN unlawfully converted the sum of approximately $80,061, which was withheld from employees’ wages and salaries as contributions to PSC’s employee benefit or 401(k) plan. HOFFMAN also admitted that
between in or about January 2003 and May 2003, he made and caused to be made false and fraudulent invoices totaling approximately $150,000 for work which he knew had not been
performed by PSC or FH Controls. He caused those false invoices to be submitted to Gulf Coast Bank, with which PSC and FH Controls had entered into a receivables agreement, in
order for the bank to pay that approximate amount.

HOFFMAN could receive a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, for the theft charges in Count One, and a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both, for the bank fraud charges in Count Two. The court may also order restitution in accordance with law.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.

24 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Weatherton Sentencing

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that another Louisiana resident was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Court Judge James J.
Brady on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs.

BOBBY JOE WEATHERTON, age 49, of Prairieville, Louisiana, pled guilty to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. He was sentenced to three years probation and a fine of $500.
WEATHERTON had already paid $2,000 in restitution.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 Katrina relief funds stands at sixty-eight.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes
such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

24 August 2006 Ringo Sentencing

United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that former Livingston Parish Councilman ROBERT R. RINGO, age 43, was sentenced this morning by Chief Judge Ralph E. Tyson based on his plea of guilty to one count of making a false statement on his income tax return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). Ringo was sentenced to five years probation with six months home detention, a $10,000 fine, and $1,889 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

This matter is part of an ongoing probe of corruption in Livingston Parish by a federal grand jury, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Louisiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Corey R. Amundson and M. Patricia Jones.

23 August 2006 LIOU Arrest

ARREST IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY, RECEIPT AND POSSESSON OF STOLEN TRADE SECRETS, WIRE FRAUD, ILLEGAL MONETARY TRANSACTIONS, AND PERJURY

BATON ROUGE, La. – Wen Shyu Liu (also known as David W. Liou), 69, formerly of Baton Rouge, La., was arrested yesterday in Seattle, Wash., on charges of conspiracy, receipt and possession of stolen trade secrets, wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, perjury, and asset forfeiture by FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, U.S. Attorney David R. Dugas announced today. All charges are associated with stolen trade secrets of Dow
Chemical Company which Liou is alleged to have attempted to market to companies in the People’s Republic of China. A fifteen-count indictment had been returned by a federal grand jury on March 24, 2005. Liou was arrested on an intercontinental flight, inbound to Seattle from Taipei, Taiwan.

The indictment alleges that Liou had worked for Dow from 1965 until he retired in March 1992. During his career at Dow, it is alleged that Liou worked in research and development and had signed employment and retirement agreements with Dow prohibiting his ability to disclose Dow’s trade secrets and other confidential information without written permission of Dow.

The indictment alleges that beginning on an unknown date and continuing until at least Oct. 31, 2001, Liou knowingly conspired with others to: (1) steal, appropriate without authorization, and obtain by fraud, trade secrets related to Tyrin® CPE (an elastomeric brand of chlorinated polyethylene polymer), which had been developed by Dow; (2) copy and convey Dow’s Tyrin® CPE trade secrets; and (3) receive and possess Dow’s Tyrin® CPE trade secrets, knowing such information to have been stolen without authorization. The indictment further alleges that Liou hired employees and former employees of Dow who had worked for Dow in producing Tyrin® CPE to prepare a detailed engineering package to sell to prospective Chinese companies.

Liou was charged in the March 2005 indictment with the following: one count of conspiracy to steal, appropriate and obtain by fraud trade secrets, to copy, transmit and convey those trade secrets, and to receive and possess those stolen trade secrets, a conviction for which has a maximum term of in prison of 10 years and a fine, the greatest of twice the gross gain to the defendant, twice the gross loss caused, or $250,000; one count of receipt and possession of stolen trade secrets, with the same maximum penalties as the conspiracy count; eight counts of wire fraud, a conviction for which offense has a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years in prison per count if the offense is found to have affected a financial institution, plus a fine, the greatest of twice the gross gain to the defendant, twice the gross loss caused, or $1,000,000; three counts of illegal monetary transaction, a conviction for which offense has a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years per count and a fine, the greatest of twice the gross gain to the defendant, twice the gross loss caused, or $250,000; and two counts of perjury, a conviction for which has a maximum term of imprisonment of five years per count and a $250,000 fine.

Thus, if convicted of all counts, Liou faces up to a 300 year term in prison, and a fine, the greatest of $9,750,000, or twice the gross gain he received or twice the gross loss he caused.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian F. Hipwell. U.S. Attorney Dugas thanked FBI Special Agent Joe Quinn and ICE Special Agent Andrew Henrickson, both of Seattle, for their diligence in finding and arresting Liou. U.S. Attorney David R. Dugas said that protection of the trade secrets of American companies is a high priority of this Administration.

Liou is scheduled to appear before a United States magistrate judge in Seattle at approximately 2:30 p.m. PDT today.

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.

23 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Guidry-Foster Sentencings

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that two more Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs.

RONALD A. GUIDRY, age 32, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. He was sentenced to three years probation, a $1,000 fine, $2,000 in restitution, and 100 hours of community service.

DEBBIE A. FOSTER, age 34, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. She was entenced to three years probation, $2,000 in restitution, and 50 hours of
community service.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigations of these matters.

The number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds stands at sixty-eight.

In September 2005, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force – chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division – includes the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and others.

For further information, contact David R. Dugas, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, or Lyman Thornton, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, at (225) 389-0443. Anyone suspecting criminal activity involving disaster assistance programs can make an anonymous report by calling the toll-free Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline, 1-866-720-5721, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Information can also be emailed to the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force at HKFTF@leo.gov or sent by surface mail, with as many details as possible, to Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

18 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Three more Indicted

THREE MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES RELATED TO HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS

17 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Deamer Unsealed

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that two more Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs.

MICHELLE LONDON, age 31, of Baton Rouge, and KIM MORRISON, age 21, also of Baton Rouge, each pled guilty to Count One of indictments charging them with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. LONDON and MORRISON were each sentenced to three years probation and $2,000 in restitution.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigations of these matters.

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

11 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Deamer Unsealed

ANOTHER CHARGED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, IN FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CASE

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that DERRICK W. DEAMER, age 32, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was arrested on July 26, 2006. DEAMER was indicted by a grand jury and charged in a two-count indictment on February 16, 2006, with making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits and with making false and fraudulent statements to FEMA. The indictment remained under seal until DEAMER’s arrest. DEAMER made an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Stephen Riedlinger on July 27, 2006. The charges resulted from investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General. If convicted, DEAMER faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine per count.

This individual brings to sixty-five the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief funds.

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, 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

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 proven guilty at trial.

4 August 2006 Welles Sentencing

SENTENCING IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF TRANSPORTING AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that JAMES C. WELLES, age 61, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced in federal court yesterday by U.S. District Judge James J. Brady on charges of transporting child pornography and possessing child pornography. At the time of the offenses, WELLES was an Associate Dean of Students for
Judicial Affairs at Louisiana State University. WELLES was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of fifteen years and one month.

Welles was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2005 on one count of transporting child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(1), and two counts of possessing child pornography, in violation of Title 18,
United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B). In August of 2005 Welles pled guilty before United States District Court Judge James J. Brady to one count of transporting child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(1),
and two counts of possessing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the LSU Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.

U. S. Attorney Dugas stated, “Prosecution of crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography offenses, is a priority of the Department of Justice and of this office. Through Project Safe Childhood and through the Louisiana Cybercrimes Task Force we are able to use the tools provided by Congress in legislation such as the Protect Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 to pursue sexual offenders and bring them to justice. I commend the FBI and the LSU Police Department for their hard work in this case and
for their commitment to these important initiatives.”

3 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Patin Sentencing

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that two more Louisiana residents were sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady on fraud charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs.

GREGORY PATIN, age 26, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. He was sentenced to five years probation, $4,000 in restitution, and six months of home detention.

LETONYA PATIN, age 34, of Baton Rouge, pled guilty to Counts One and Three of an indictment charging her with making false claims for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. She was sentenced to five years probation, and restitution in the amount of $4,000.

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 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 Katrina relief funds stands at sixty-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. 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.

2 August 2006 FEMA Fraud - Profit Sentencing

SENTENCING IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FEDERAL FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that DE’ONDRA PROFIT, age 34, of Baton Rouge was sentenced on July 27, 2006, by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to five years probation, a fine of $2,000, and $4,000 in restitution. PROFIT was charged in an indictment on January 20, 2006, with illegal conversion of government property, that is, two checks from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance.

The U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; and the East Baton
Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office 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 Katrina relief funds stands at sixty-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. 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.

28 July 2006 Hoffman - Bill of Information

BILL OF INFORMATION FOR THEFT FROM AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN AND FOR BANK FRAUD

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a two-count bill of information was filed today against JAMES M. HOFFMAN, III, age 55, a resident of Baton Rouge, charging him with theft from an employee benefit plan and for bank fraud.

At all times relevant, HOFFMAN was Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer of Plant Specialties Control, Inc. (PSC), and a director and CEO of FH Controls, Inc., a company affiliated with and wholly owned by PSC. The bill of information charges in Count One that
from in or about January 2002 to about August 2003, HOFFMAN, embezzled, stole, and unlawfully converted the sum of approximately $80,061, which was withheld from employees’ wages and salaries as contributions to PSC’s employee benefit or 401(k) plan.

The bill of information alleges that Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company (Gulf Coast), a federally insured financial institution, had entered into a receivables agreement with HOFFMAN, PSC and FH Controls, whereby Gulf Coast would purchase accounts receivables from client customers of PSC and FH Controls. Gulf Coast would pay PSC and FH Controls a discounted amount for the receivables and collect the full amount from the client customer, plus a servicing fee. The bill of information charges in Count Two that between in or about January 2003 and May 2003, HOFFMAN made and caused to be made false and fraudulent invoices totaling approximately $150,000 for work which he knew had not been performed by PSC or FH Controls and caused those false invoices to be submitted to Gulf Coast in order for the bank to pay that approximate amount.

If convicted on Count One, HOFFMAN could receive a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, HOFFMAN could receive a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or
both. The court may also order restitution in accordance with law.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.

NOTE: A bill of information is merely an accusation by the United States Attorney that an offense has been committed by the defendant. The defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial.

21 July 2006 FEMA Fraud - 3 More Indicted

THREE MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES RELATED TO HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMS

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that a federal grand jury returned indictments yesterday against three more Louisiana residents on fraud
charges related to hurricane disaster relief programs.

GENEVA MARIA WAGNER, age 31, of Metairie, Louisiana, was charged in a one- count indictment with wire fraud in obtaining disaster unemployment benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Katrina. WAGNER is charged with defrauding the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) by applying for benefits under the Unemployment Insurance program (UI) from on or about
September 6, 2005, to on or about May 10, 2006, while allegedly failing to notify LDOL of her continuous employment after the storm. These funds were intended for persons who had become
unemployed as a result of the disaster. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. If convicted, WAGNER faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, or both.

STEVEN F. ANDREWS, age 41, of Metairie, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with mail and wire fraud. ANDREWS was charged in Count One of the indictment with falsely claiming unemployment benefits under LDOL’s Unemployment Insurance program from July 1, 2004, through January 2005. ANDREWS was allegedly employed throughout the period of the fraud. ANDREWS was charged in Count Two of the indictment with fraudulently claiming unemployment benefits from October 2, 2005, through March 2006, failing to notify LDOL of his employment during this time period. ANDREWS received these benefits under the
“auto-pay” period of LDOL’s Unemployment Insurance program, which was in effect after Hurricane Katrina, effectively suspending certain requirements for filing for UI, including the requirement to verify employment status for those claimants who had become unemployed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. If convicted, ANDREWS faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, or both.

FRED DANIEL MILLER, age 39, of Conway, Arkansas, was charged in a one-count indictment with wire fraud, allegedly claiming his employment was interrupted as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The indictment states the MILLER was incarcerated at Orleans Parish Prison before Hurricane Katrina struck the state in August 2005. He was evacuated to Hunt Correctional Center and then to West Carroll Detention Center before being released on September 30, 2005. MILLER filed for benefits under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, which is funded by FEMA to provide financial assistance to individuals whose employment had been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. According to the
indictment, MILLER filed for DUA benefits on or about October 14, 2005, falsely claiming to have been self employed from April 1, 2005, through August 27, 2005, and that his employment
was interrupted as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Bureau
of Investigation. If convicted, ANDREWS faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, or both, for each count.

These individuals bring to sixty-four the total number of defendants who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to Hurricane Katrina relief
funds.

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. 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.

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

18 July 2006 Amitech-McCann Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEAS TO VIOLATIONS OF THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a pipe manufacturing company and its former plant manager agreed to plead guilty this morning before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Ralph E. Tyson to violating the Federal Clean Air Act.

• Amitech USA, L.L.C., a limited liability corporation wholly-owned by the Amiantit Group, a multi-national company based in Saudi Arabia, agreed to plead guilty to knowingly failing to file a report of unpermitted air emissions, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 7413(c)(2)(A) (felony), and agreed to pay fines and community restitution totaling $1,170,000.00. Amitech also faces up to five years probation.

• William S. McCann, the former plant manager of Amitech’s facility in Zachary, Louisiana, agreed to plead guilty to illegal air emissions, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 7413(c)(4) (misdemeanor). McCann faces up to one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by a federal grand jury, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-CID), the Louisiana State Police (LSP), the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the U.S.
Attorney’s Office. The investigation determined that Amitech’s Zachary facility produced pipe during the Spring of 2003 without the required environmental controls to limit the emission of styrene, a hazardous air pollutant. At the time, McCann was the manager of the facility and knew that the facility was operating without a condenser to limit styrene emissions. Amitech sold the illegally produced pipe to the governments of Venezuela and
Jordan for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

United States Attorney Dugas said, “This office will continue to aggressively pursue both individuals and organizations who violate environmental laws. Such violations often jeopardize the health and welfare of the citizens of Louisiana and will not be tolerated.”

“Criminal enforcement is a top priority precisely because defendants like Amitech knowingly disregard the law to make illegal profits,” said Granta Y. Nakayama, EPA’s Assistant Administrator of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Emission controls protect the air we breathe and when companies and their managers violate the law, they will be vigorously prosecuted.”

Colonel Henry Whitehorn, Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, said he was pleased with the outcome of such an important and arduous investigation: “Complicated investigations of this nature necessitate multi-agency cooperation, and the departments involved in this case have a long history of working together. We take environmental crimes very seriously in our state and will continue to seek out those individuals who continue to have no regard for our environment.”

Harold Leggett of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality stated, “DEQ continues to support the collaborative partnership efforts between state and federal enforcement agents. This partnership fosters good business practices and wise stewardship of the environmental resources of the state.”

Sentencing has yet to be set. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.

17 July 2006 Wayne P. Lawless Guilty Plea

WAYNE P. LAWLESS PLEADS GUILTY TO EXTORTION RELATED TO HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that WAYNE P. LAWLESS, age 50, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to a bill of information charging LAWLESS with
extortion under color of official right.

The bill of information alleges that LAWLESS, at all times relevant, was working as an employee of IIF Data Solutions, Inc., a company contracted by the Louisiana National Guard to
service the needs of the Guard, Reserve, and active duty personnel, and to screen people applying with the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) for financial assistance for potential
recruits to the National Guard. In this capacity, LAWLESS was assigned to assist people who came into the LDOL office in Baton Rouge seeking employment and unemployment assistance.
According to the bill of information, LAWLESS allegedly facilitated numerous fraudulent claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits, which are intended to provide 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 bill of information alleges that LAWLESS unlawfully obtained money not due him from people whose false and fraudulent DUA claims were presented. This money was obtained with the person’s consent, which was induced under color of official right.

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).

As a result of this guilty plea to the bill of information, LAWLESS faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, 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 Labor, Office of Inspector General; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Louisiana State Police; and the Zachary, Louisiana, Police Department. Deputy Criminal Chief Ian F. Hipwell prosecuted the case.

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 sixty-one.

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.

The United States Attorney's Office

Middle District of Louisiana

USAO Home Page

2006 Press Releases

July - September