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

TROY N. RANDOLPH, age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count One of an indictment charging him with mail fraud. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As a result of his guilty plea to Count One, RANDOLPH faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, 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 RANDOLPH is sentenced on Count One.

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

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

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.

26 September 2007 FEMA Fraud - Johnson Guilty Plea

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

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

SHAWANDA R. JOHNSON, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to a two-count indictment charging her with mail fraud (Count One) and with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count Two). The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of her guilty plea, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count One, and a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count Two.

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

20 September 2007 FEMA Fraud - Goynes Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEA TO MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO A FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO A BANK

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that KERYN GOYNES, age 48, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 18, 2007, to an indictment charging her with three counts of making false statements to a federal credit union or a bank.

According to the stipulated facts in the plea agreement, GOYNES and her employer (L.F.), in or about February 2006, began discussions with KeyPoint Federal Credit Union to arrange for a small business loan in the amount of $409,891.98. In the course of those discussions, GOYNES falsely represented to KeyPoint that L.F. had been approved for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in the amount of $1,494,127. In furtherance of the scheme, GOYNES pretended to be an SBA employee and falsified an SBA “Mortgage Loan Commitment,” as well as an SBA “Unconditional Guarantee,” which documents were presented to KeyPoint. Based on the false and fraudulent pretenses and representations regarding the fictitious SBA loan, KeyPoint approved and funded a loan with L.F. in the amount of $409,891.98.

Also according to the stipulated facts in the plea agreement, in or about May 2006, GOYNES began negotiations with American Gateway Bank (American Gateway) on behalf of L.F. for a loan of approximately $2.4 million. In the scheme to defraud American Gateway, GOYNES again pretended to be an SBA employee and provided American Gateway with an appraisal of collateral property valued at $3,410,000, stating that the appraisal was requested by the SBA and prepared by an SBA employee, with a cover letter on SBA letterhead. In or about June 2006, GOYNES falsely represented to American Gateway that L.F. had been approved for a disaster loan from the SBA in the amount of $1,494.127. Based on the false and fraudulent pretenses and representations regarding the SBA appraisal and SBA loan, American Gateway approved and funded three loans with L.F. totaling approximately $2,487,000.

If convicted, GOYNES could receive a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, or both, per count.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Bourgeois, Jr.

Special Agent in Charge Matthew L. Issman stated that the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General stands committed to working with all of our stakeholder partners in the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force to aggressively seek out, investigate and prosecute those who would greedily seek to profit and with fraudulent intent take advantage of government disaster assistance programs to which they are not entitled. This seven-month joint investigation is yet another success story of government law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working together with a common mission.

20 September 2007 FEMA Fraud - Pate Guilty Plea

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

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

WENDY S. PATE, age 38, of Ethel, Louisiana, pled guilty September 19, 2007, before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to a bill of information charging her with two counts of making false and fraudulent claims for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, PATE faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, per count.

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

18 September 2007 FEMA Fraud - Martin Guilty Plea

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

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

OLIVER MARTIN, JR., age 58, of Port Allen, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of his guilty plea, MARTIN faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, 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 MARTIN is sentenced on Count One.

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

14 September 2007 FEMA Fraud - Whitfield, Wright, Whitfield Guilty Plea

THREE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES
RELATED TO A HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

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

LATASHA WHITFIELD, age 30, LAKEITHA WRIGHT, age 22, DOMONEIK WHITFIELD, age 21, and TONI WHITFIELD, age 42, all residents of Zachary, Louisiana, were indicted on March 7, 2007, on related federal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, access device fraud, illegal use of Social Security numbers, and aggravated identity theft related to a hurricane disaster relief program. LATASHA WHITFIELD pled guilty on August 28, 2007, to aggravated identity theft and mail fraud charges. LAKEITHA WHITFIELD and DOMONEIK WHITFIELD each pled guilty today to wire fraud and illegal use of Social Security numbers. TONI WHITFIELD pled guilty today to a charge of access device fraud.

The investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas uncovered a scheme involving at least 50 false and fraudulent disaster unemployment claims that were filed with the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) seeking disaster unemployment payments of over $120,000 after Hurricane Katrina. Latasha Whitfield’s home computer was used to file many of the claims. The defendants falsely represented that Social Security numbers listed on the fraudulent DUA claims were those which had been assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security to the claimants. DUA provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States. The LDOL 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).

In the plea agreement entered by Latasha Whitfield on August 28th, she agreed that she owed restitution of not less than $150,223. Latasha Whitfield also pled guilty to an aggravated identity theft charge, involving the use of the Social Security number of another person during her commission of the fraud. That count carries a mandatory two year term of imprisonment to run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment which the court might impose for the mail fraud count to which she pled guilty.

LAKEITHA WRIGHT’s restitution provision calls for restitution of not less than $61,347, while that of DOMONEIK Whitfield calls for a figure of not less than $32,732. TONI WHITFIELD’s restitution amount calls for a figure not less than $7,742.

The maximum sentence for each mail or wire fraud count is a twenty year term of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both. The maximum sentence for each count of illegal use of a social security number count is a five year term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The maximum sentence for the access device fraud count is a ten year term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The case resulted from an investigation conducted 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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.

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

13 September 2007 FEMA Fraud - Clark Sentenced, Myles - Davis Guilty Plea

ANOTHER SENTENCED, TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

WEST CLARK, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 31, 2007, to Count Two of an indictment charging him with illegal theft/conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance. CLARK was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to a term of imprisonment of six months and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

COREY A. MYLES, age 38, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of an indictment charging him with mail fraud. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As a result of his guilty plea, MYLES faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, 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 MYLES is sentenced on Count One.

THALISHA DAVIS, age 29, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to an indictment charging her with two counts of making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Counts One and Two) and one count of theft of government property (Count Three). The indictment in this matter was filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Texas. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, DAVIS faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both on Counts One and Two, and a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both on Count Three.

The total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds stands at one hundred twenty-eight.

13 September 2007 Honeywell Sentencing

HONEYWELL SENTENCED FOR VIOLATING THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas; Special Agent-in-Charge Warren Amburn of the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division ("EPA-CID"); Colonel Stanley Griffin, Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police; and Harold Leggett of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality announced today that Honeywell International Inc. (“Honeywell”) pled guilty before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a bill of information charging one count of negligently causing the release of hazardous air pollutants and negligently placing another person in imminent danger of death, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 7413(c)(4) (federal Clean Air Act).

Immediately following the guilty plea, Chief Judge Tyson sentenced Honeywell to two years probation, a criminal fine of $8,000,000, restitution of $2,000,000 to the victim’s three children, community restitution of $750,000 to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, community restitution valued at $750,000 to the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit, and community restitution valued at $500,000 to the Louisiana State Police Emergency Operations Center. This constitutes the largest criminal fine and restitution award in the Middle District of Louisiana.

Today’s charge stems from an ongoing investigation into an incident which occurred in the summer of 2003 at Honeywell’s Baton Rouge Plant. As set forth in the stipulated factual basis, on July 29, 2003, Delvin Henry, an employee at the Baton Rouge Plant, opened a one-ton cylinder, which had been erroneously labeled as containing relatively benign refrigerant. Once opened, appropriately 1800 pounds of spent antimony pentachloride, which is a highly toxic and corrosive hazardous material, was violently released from the cylinder. Mr. Henry was struck by the material and died the following day from his injuries.

U.S. Attorney Dugas stated, "The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to working with our federal and state partners to enforce our nation's environmental laws and ensure the safety of our workers. This case demonstrates that great success can come when various agencies come together in a cooperative effort." Dugas continued, "Corporations, like individuals, have a responsibility to comply with the law and a failure to do so will not be tolerated. Honeywell has done the right thing by accepting responsibility and cooperating with the investigation."

Harold Leggett of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality stated, “While this is a very tragic event that occurred at the Honeywell facility in Baton Rouge, the Department has worked with and will continue to work with EPA-CID, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Honeywell to address environmental noncompliances at the facility.”

“The tragic death of an employee may have been avoided if Honeywell had simply followed the law,” said Granta Nakayama, assistant administrator for the EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance program. “EPA will vigorously pursue corporations whose failure to comply with environmental laws threaten human health and the environment.”

"This case illustrates the terrible consequences that can result from environmental crimes," said Warren Amburn, the Special Agent-in-Charge of EPA's criminal investigation office in Dallas. "Honeywell needs to make sure this never happens again."

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson.

12 September 2007 Bevers Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEA IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, TO CHARGES OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that ALAN D. BEVERS, age 52, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to both counts of an indictment charging him with sexual exploitation of children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) (also known as production of child pornography). The indictment charges that BEVERS produced child pornography on two separate occasions involving a thirteen-year-old female and an eight-year-old female.

As a result of his guilty pleas, BEVERS faces a maximum sentence for each count of not less than ten (10) years imprisonment and not more than twenty (20) years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, for a total maximum possible sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. However, if the defendant has a previous conviction related to the sexual exploitation of children, the maximum sentence for each count is not less than fifteen (15) years imprisonment and not more than thirty (30) years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, for a total maximum possible sentence of sixty (60) years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

This investigation has involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Office of the District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District of Louisiana; and the Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, Sheriff’s Office. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson, who serves as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.

29 August 2007 FEMA Fraud - Jackson Guilty Verdict

GUILTY VERDICT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES
RELATED TO A HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal jury convicted STEPHANIE JACKSON, age 36, of Baton Rouge, on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program.

The two-count indictment, filed May 24, 2007, charged JACKSON with making a false claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits (Count One) and with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance (Count Two). JACKSON was found guilty today on both counts.

U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady presided over the two-day jury trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Alan A. Stevens and Corey R. Amundson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

JACKSON faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count One, and a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count Two. Judge Brady will sentence the defendant following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of
Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

28 August 2007 FEMA Fraud - Two more plead Guilty

TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

LORETTA J. RUSSELL, age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, RUSSELL faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, 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 RUSSELL is sentenced on Count One.

PIERRE D. TAYLOR, age 40, of Lettsworth, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count Two of an indictment charging him with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for expedited disaster assistance. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As a result of his guilty plea, TAYLOR faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count One of the indictment when TAYLOR is sentenced on Count Two.

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

23 August 2007 FEMA Fraud - Three Indicted - Two Sentenced

THREE MORE INDICTED, TWO MORE SENTENCED
IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Three more Louisiana residents were indicted, another was sentenced, and another pled guilty in federal court on charges of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

JOEL J. BRANCH, age 33, of Jonesville, Louisiana, was charged yesterday in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with aiding and abetting the making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count One) and with aiding and abetting illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for expedited disaster assistance (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If convicted on Count One, BRANCH faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, BRANCH faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

TOMIKIA M. BLANCHARD age 27, and KENYONTIA K. HUNTER, age 28, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were each charged yesterday in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with bank fraud (Count One) and passing a forged Treasury check of the United States (Count Two). The charges resulted from investigations conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If convicted on Count One, BLANCHARD and HUNTER each faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, BLANCHARD and HUNTER each faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

NYOKI JOHNSON, age 27, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 17, 2007, to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false claim for disaster assistance benefits. JOHNSON was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

Finally, TERRY WATSON, age 40, of Zachary, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 16, 2006, to two years of probation, $2,000 in restitution, and 50 hours of community service in connection with his July 5, 2006, guilty plea to a charge of making a false claim for disaster assistance benefits. U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady today revoked WATSON’s probation for failure to comply with the terms thereof, and sentenced WATSON to a term of imprisonment of eleven months, followed by three years of supervised release. The charges against WATSON were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.

Today’s indictments bring the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred twenty-eight.

20 August 2007 FEMA Fraud - Carter Guilty Plea

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

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

KIM CARTER, age 43, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a two-count indictment charging him with mail fraud and with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea, CARTER faces a maximum sentence of twenty-five (25) years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, or both.

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

16 August 2007 FEMA Fraud - Nichols Guilty Plea

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

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

IYANA P. NICHOLS, age 30, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. As part of her plea agreement, NICHOLS agreed to pay full restitution in the amount of $29,680.24. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Counts Two, Three, and Four of the indictment when NICHOLS is sentenced on Count One. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of her guilty plea, NICHOLS faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, in addition to the restitution obligation.

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

16 August 2007 Richard Smith - Maria Smith Guilty Plea

GUILTY PLEAS IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON
CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT WIRE AND MAIL FRAUD

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that RICHARD HENRY SMITH, age 62, a resident of Skiatook, Oklahoma, has pled guilty to Count One of a Bill of Information that charges conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and MARIA MONIKA SMITH, age 66, a resident of Skiatook, Oklahoma, has pled guilty to Count Two of a Bill of Information that charges misprision of a felony. As part of the guilty plea proceeding, the defendants admitted in open court that they defrauded their business partner of approximately $1,000,000.

RICHARD HENRY SMITH could receive a maximum sentence of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000, or both. MARIA MONIKA SMITH, who pled guilty to concealing the scheme to defraud, could receive a maximum sentence of up to five years probation, including conditions that require community confinement, home detention, or both, as substitutes for imprisonment. The defendants’ sentences will be governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Judge Polozola will sentence the defendants following the completion of pre-sentence investigations.

The guilty pleas are a result of an investigation by the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. The Fraud Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division also assisted with the investigation and prosecution.

United States Attorney Dugas said, “The guilty pleas today demonstrate that accountants and business people may not use their special skills to betray the trust of their partners, the public, investors, auditors, and bankers. The successful prosecution of these defendants will help to promote public trust and confidence in business practices. That trust and confidence is vital to the health and well-being of the American economic system.”

15 August 2007 FEMA Fraud - Lewis Guilty Plea

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

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

TERRI L. LEWIS, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a result of her guilty plea, LEWIS faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, 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 LEWIS is sentenced on Count One.

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

13 August 2007 United Medical Healthcare Civil Settlement

LAFAYETTE RESIDENT RESENTENCED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that the United States
Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Louisiana has reached a civil settlement with
defendants, UNITED MEDICAL HEALTHCARE, INC. and its owner/manager JOHN E.
MILLS, under which the defendants have agreed to pay the United States $750,000.00 to settle
allegations arising under the Federal False Claims Act. UNITED MEDICAL HEALTHCARE,
INC., doing business as UNITED MEDICAL SERVICES, provided outpatient physical
therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries at a clinic owned by JOHN E. MILLS.

UNITED MEDICAL SERVICES is alleged to have violated the False Claims Act, 31
U.S.C. 3729, et seq., by submitting claims which improperly sought reimbursement for
excessive units of outpatient physical therapy services rendered to Medicare beneficiaries. An
audit conducted by the Medicare Private Safeguard Contractor and HHS-OIG revealed that the
number of units billed by the defendants far exceeded the units of service that were properly
billable. As a result, UNITED MEDICAL SERVICES received reimbursement to which it was
not entitled.

The $750,000 to be paid by the defendants under the settlement agreement fully
reimburses the government for its losses, as well as includes a substantial sum in penalties.

As part of its obligations under the settlement agreement, UNITED MEDICAL
HEALTHCARE, INC. has agreed to abide by certain obligations set forth in a Corporate
Integrity Agreement which promotes compliance with the statutes, regulations, program
requirements, and written directives of Medicare and all other federal health care programs
specifically dealing with, among other things, proper billing and submission of reimbursement
claims by UNITED MEDICAL HEALTHCARE, INC.

The settlement agreement is a culmination of the investigatory efforts of the United
States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and United
States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.

United States Attorney Dugas said, "Providers are allowed to submit claims for
reimbursement only for the services actually received by Medicare beneficiaries. We are firmly
committed to protecting the public's trust in programs funded with taxpayer dollars. Therefore,
the importance of enforcing the statutes, regulations, program requirements, and written
directives of Medicare governing the billing and claims submission process cannot be over
emphasized."

3 August 2007 Bruce Perrin Sentencing

LAFAYETTE RESIDENT RESENTENCED ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that Bruce H. Perrin, age 23, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was re-sentenced this morning by Senior Judge John V. Parker based on his plea to two counts of receiving child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2), one count of possessing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B), and forfeiture, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 2253. Perrin was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

This investigation involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Louisiana State University Police Department. This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson who serves as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator.

1 August 2007 FEMA Fraud - Burden Guilty Plea

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

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

TRINA R. BURDEN, age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to Count Three of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea, BURDEN faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Counts One and Two of the indictment when BURDEN is sentenced on Count 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 one hundred twenty-two.

31 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Quinn - DeClouet Plead Guilty

ANOTHER SENTENCED, TWO MORE PLEAD GUILTY
IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

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

CHRISTOPHER R. QUINN, age 23, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 26, 2007, to a bill of information charging him with aiding and abetting the making of a false claim. QUINN was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to two years of probation, $2,000 in restitution, and twenty-five hours of community service. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

TIMOTHY E. DeCLOUET, SR, age 39, of New Iberia, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to a bill of information charging him with access device fraud in connection with his obtaining disaster unemployment benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Rita. DeCLOUET defrauded the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) by applying for and receiving approximately $3,822 in benefits under the disaster unemployment assistance program from on or about September 29, 2005, to on or about June 27, 2006, while failing to notify LDOL of his employment after the storm. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea, DeCLOUET faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

WEST CLARK, age 28, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count Two of an indictment charging him with illegal theft/conversion of government property. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea to Count Two, CLARK faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count One of the indictment when CLARK is sentenced on Count Two.

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

26 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Becnel - Ridgely Sentenced - Maloid Guilty Plea

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were sentenced and another pled guilty in federal court on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

ROBIN BECNEL, age 44, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on December 6, 2006, to an indictment charging her with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance. BECNEL was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

REGMOND D. RIDGELY, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 2, 2007, to Count Two of an indictment charging him with making a false claim for Hurricane Katrina disaster assistance benefits. RIDGELY was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to three years of probation and $2,000 in restitution. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

LATASHA D. MALOID, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to Count One, MALOID faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, 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 MALOID is sentenced on Count One.

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

25 July 2007 Pitts Indictment Unsealed

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
ON CHARGE OF FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today the unsealing of an indictment returned on July 19, 2007, by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Louisiana against GLEN A. PITTS, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. PITTS is charged with failure to register as a sex offender.

The indictment alleges that PITTS was convicted of a sexual offense in the State of Virginia and thereafter traveled in interstate commerce from Virginia to Louisiana and knowingly failed to register in Louisiana as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA was enacted as Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. This indictment is the first brought in the Middle District of Louisiana under the provisions of the Adam Walsh Act.

U.S. Attorney David Dugas said: “The Adam Walsh Act of 2006 gives federal prosecutors a new tool to enforce sex offender registration requirements. The Act also gives the U.S. Marshal jurisdiction to assist state and local authorities in finding sex offenders who fail to register. The Marshal’s Service is working closely with state and local authorities to find and apprehend sex offenders who fail to register and our office stands ready to prosecute any offenders who violate the interstate registration requirements of the Adam Walsh Act.”

Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Wayne Plylar said, “The Marshals Service is actively working to investigate failure to register cases in the Middle District and we look forward to continued cooperation with our state and local partners as we pursue those individuals who fail to register as sex offenders.”

If convicted, PITTS faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both.

The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph E. Blackwell

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.

24 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Nelson Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

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

DONALD R. NELSON, age 30, of Port Allen, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge John V. Parker to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea to Count One, NELSON faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, 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 NELSON is sentenced on Count One.

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

23 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Johnson Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

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

MARK A. JOHNSON, age 32, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. JOHNSON stipulated that as a result of the fraudulent claim, he received benefits totaling $8,016.18. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea to Count One, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, 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 JOHNSON is sentenced on Count One.

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

20 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Dabney Guilty Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

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

TAMMY T. DABNEY, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of her guilty plea to Count One, DABNEY faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, 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 DABNEY is sentenced on Count One.

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

19 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Two Indicted - Four Sentenced

TWO MORE INDICTED, FOUR MORE SENTENCED
IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON DISASTER RELIEF FRAUD CHARGES

BATON ROUGE, LA – Two more Louisiana residents were indicted and four more were sentenced this week in federal court on charges of fraud related to hurricane disaster relief programs, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

ALVIN LEE JOHNSON, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with mail fraud (Count One) and with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If convicted on Count One, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

TROY N. RANDOLPH, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with aiding and abetting mail fraud (Count One) and with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from the Federal Emergency Management Administration for expedited disaster assistance (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If convicted on Count One, RANDOLPH faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, RANDOLPH faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

CHRISTOPHER M. HENDERSON, age 23, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on March 20, 2007, to Count One of an indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. HENDERSON was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to three years probation and fifty hours of community service. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of this matter.

BETTY R. MARTIN, age 41, of Port Allen, Louisiana, pled guilty on March 5, 2007, to Count One of an indictment charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. MARTIN was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Frank J. Polozola to three years probation, $2,000 in restitution, and fifty hours of community service. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, and the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation of this matter.

ANTHONY PARKER, age 22, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 11, 2006, to Count One of an Indictment charging him with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. PARKER was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to three years probation and $4,000 in restitution. The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation of this matter.

JUANITA WADE, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty on January 17, 2007, to a bill of information charging her with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster relief benefits. WADE was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph E. Tyson to three years probation and $2,000 in restitution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter.

12 July 2007 Bevers Indictment

INDICTMENT IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON CHARGES OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted ALAN D. BEVERS, age 52, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, on two counts of producing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a). The indictment charges that BEVERS produced child pornography on two separate occasions involving a thirteen-year-old female and an eight-year-old female. On each count, BEVERS faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum of 20 years.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

This investigation has involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Office of the District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District; and the London County, Pennsylvania, Sheriff’s Office. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson who serves as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.

11 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Major, Johnson, Clark, Smith Indictments

FOUR MORE INDICTED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, ON FRAUD CHARGES
RELATED TO A HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

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

KIM MAJOR, age 48, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment by a federal grand jury with four counts of mail fraud. The indictment alleges that from on or about September 23, 2005, through on or about April 4, 2006, MAJOR, under materially false and fraudulent pretenses and representations, received more than $25,000 in expedited disaster assistance. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted, MAJOR faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both, per count.

ROY JOHNSON, age 51, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment with three counts of mail fraud, also in connection with receipt of expedited disaster assistance benefits. The indictment alleges that from on or about September 17, 2005, through on or about November 23, 2005, JOHNSON, under false and fraudulent pretenses and representations, received more than $14,000 in expedited disaster assistance. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. The maximum sentence for each of the three counts is thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both.

LAWANDA S. CLARK, age 24, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with mail fraud (Count One) and with making a false and fraudulent claim for disaster assistance benefits (Count Two). The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted on Count One, CLARK faces a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, CLARK faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Finally, LESLIE A. SMITH, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count indictment with mail fraud (Count One) and with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for expedited disaster assistance (Count Two). The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If convicted on Count One, SMITH is faced with a maximum sentence of thirty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count Two, SMITH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Today’s indictments bring the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred twenty.

5 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Pate Indictment - Whittaker Sentencing

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

BATON ROUGE, LA – Another Louisiana resident was sentenced in federal court and another indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud charges related to a hurricane disaster relief program, United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today.

DREWEY PIERRE WHITTAKER, age 46, formerly of Villa Rica, Georgia, pled guilty on April 5, 2006 to one count of wire fraud and two counts of illegal use of Social Security numbers in connection with fraudulent applications for Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. The indictment against WHITTAKER had charged WHITTAKER with carrying out an extensive scheme to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Department of Labor (LDOL) by submitting one fraudulent application for expedited disaster assistance and forty one (41) fraudulent applications for disaster unemployment assistance (DUA). To submit the fraudulent applications for DUA, WHITTAKER created a series of false names and false Social Security account numbers, then falsely claimed that these imaginary people had been working in Louisiana and lost their jobs as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The indictment alleged that WHITTAKER received dozens of debit cards containing DUA funds from the LDOL and utilized the debit cards in November of 2005.

WHITTAKER was sentenced today by Chief Judge Ralph E. Tyson to a term of imprisonment of twenty seven months, five years of supervised release, and $39,835.08 in restitution. Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian F. Hipwell.

Also today, WENDY S. PATE, age 38, of Ethel, Louisiana, was charged in an indictment with four counts of wire fraud in obtaining disaster relief benefits for alleged losses resulting from Hurricane Katrina. In September of 2005, PATE allegedly submitted two fraudulent applications to FEMA for expedited disaster assistance, causing approximately $8,700 to be transferred into bank accounts identified in the applications. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. If convicted, PATE faces a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, per count.

Today’s indictment brings the total number of individuals who have been charged in the Middle District of Louisiana with violations related to hurricane disaster relief funds to one hundred sixteen.

2 July 2007 FEMA Fraud - Brown Guitly Plea

ANOTHER PLEADS GUILTY IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,
TO FEDERAL FRAUD CHARGE

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

COURTNEY N. BROWN, age 27, of Port Allen, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge James J. Brady to Count Two of an indictment charging him with illegal conversion of government property, that is, a check from FEMA for expedited disaster assistance. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As a result of his guilty plea to Count Two, BROWN faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss Count One of the indictment when BROWN is sentenced on Count Two.

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

The United States Attorney's Office

Middle District of Louisiana

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