U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana

Three Baton Rouge Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Connection with the Department of Justice’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action

Three Baton Rouge Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Connection with the Department of Justice’s 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced criminal charges against three individuals in connection with an alleged scheme to acquire controlled substances by fraud, to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and to defraud Medicaid.

Former Regions Bank Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Bank Fraud Scheme

Former Regions Bank Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Bank Fraud Scheme United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Eric Jason Schouest, age 53, of Plaquemine, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to embezzlement and bank fraud.

June 15 2024: Elder Justice - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

U.S. Attorney Ronald Gathe (MDLA) issues PSA to raise awareness about Elder Justice (:120) The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana is committed to protecting our senior citizens from elder fraud. Protect yourself an...

Miami Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business

Miami Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Oluwafemi Osinowo, age 35, of Miami, Florida, to 41 months in federal prison following his conviction for operating an illegal money transmitting business.

Baton Rouge City Parish-Contractor Indicted for Distribution of Child Po*******hy

Baton Rouge City Parish-Contractor Indicted for Distribution of Child Po*******hy A federal grand jury recently returned an indictment charging Blake Joseph Steiner, age 37, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with distribution of child po*******hy.

Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Terrance August, age 48, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 70 months in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Former Mississippi Officer Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force

Former Mississippi Officer Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force A former Mississippi Bureau of Investigations Officer assigned to the U.S. Marshals’ Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force pleaded guilty today to using excessive force against a handcuffed arrestee.

Baton Rouge Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Programs https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdla/pr/baton-rouge-woman-sentenced-three-years-federal-prison-defrauding-covid-19-pandemic

Baton Rouge Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Programs

Baton Rouge Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Programs United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Linda Gurvin, age 56, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 36 months in federal prison following her convictions for wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions.

Former Regions Bank Manager Indicted for Embezzlement and Bank Fraud Scheme

Former Regions Bank Manager Indicted for Embezzlement and Bank Fraud Scheme A federal grand jury recently returned a four-count indictment charging Eric Jason Schouest, age 53, of Plaquemine, Louisiana, with embezzlement and bank fraud. Schouest appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.

Texas Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Federal Prison for Robbery of Personal Property of the United States

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Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery

Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Tyler Dunn, age 23, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to interference with commerce by robbery.

Thirteen Members of a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Involving Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmates, Former Angola Guards, and Other Sentenced to Federal Prison https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdla/pr/thirteen-members-drug-trafficking-conspiracy-involving-louisiana-state-penitentiary

In honor of Women’s History Month, this week USAO-MDLA spotlights First Assistant U.S. Attorney April Leon Johnson.

Mrs. Johnson is the District’s First Assistant United States Attorney. Mrs. Johnson is the first woman and African American woman appointed to this title. In this role, she serves as the senior legal and policy advisor to the U.S. Attorney on all criminal, civil, national security, and administrative matters.

Mrs. Johnson has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana where she was assigned to the Special Matters Division. She also served as the criminal civil rights coordinator and human trafficking coordinator for the Middle District. Previously, she clerked for the Honorable Benjamin Jones and Honorable Carl Van Sharp of Louisiana’s 4th Judicial District Court before joining the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney in 2009. During her tenure at the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office, Mrs. Johnson earned an administrative position as Section Chief of Section IV Trials and has the distinction of being the first African American woman in the Parish to obtain such status.

Since joining the Department of Justice in April of 2022, Mrs. Johnson has had the distinction of representing the Middle District at the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judicial Conference and served on the United States District Court’s Merit Selection Panel to consider the reappointment of United States Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes. She annually participates as a member of the host committee for the District’s African American Heritage Celebration. She participated in piloting “United Against Hate” outreach programs across the district in a nationwide effort by the Department of Justice to combat hate crimes and encourage discussion between representatives of law enforcement, community organizations, and members of the public.

Mrs. Johnson obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cm laude, from Howard University in 2004 where she studied Communications and Rhetoric. She then obtained her Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center. During her law school tenure, she was selected by the faculty as a member of the moot court and mock trial competition teams. Mrs. Johnson externed as a law student at East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office as a Special Assistant Rule XX Prosecutor and tried her first case as a prosecutor before graduating.

Mrs. Johnson’s accolades include an appointment by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Louisiana Women's Incarceration Task Force as well as a Writing Fellow for Southern University Law Center where she assists recent graduates with preparation and passage of the Louisiana State Bar Examination. Her involvement in the legal community consists of mentoring with Louisiana State Bar Association’s “Transition Into Practice” Program, and memberships in the National Black Prosecutors Association, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Federal Bar Association, and Louisiana State Bar Association. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

In her spare time, April enjoys cooking, riding her Peloton, and staycations at boutique hotels. She is married to Brandon Johnson and has two sons Harrison and Elijah.

Former Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sentenced to 234 Months in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Po*******hy

FORMER ASCENSION PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTY SENTENCED TO 234 MONTHS FOR RECEIPT OF CHILD PO*******HY United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Todd Eric Tripp, age 35, of Sorrento, Louisiana, to 234 months in federal prison following his conviction for receipt of child po*******hy.

St. Gabriel Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Convictions

St. Gabriel Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Convictions United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr., announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Charles J. Alexander, Jr., age 39, of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, to 180 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute co***ne and possession of a fire...

In honor of Women’s History Month, this week USAO-MDLA spotlights Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Kleinpeter.

Mrs. Kleinpeter joined USAO-MDLA in July of 2002, after fourteen years as a civil litigator in the private sector and a partner in The Onebane Law Firm in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 2005, Mrs. Kleinpeter was named the first female Lead Attorney for the District’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, OCDETF, a multi-agency task force comprised of federal and state law enforcement agencies. She served as OCDETF Coordinator until 2020, while still prosecuting our most serious drug cases. During this time, she also served as a Deputy Criminal Chief from 2010 until 2021, and currently serves as Litigation Counsel.

Mrs. Kleinpeter won numerous district, regional and national awards for the cases she personally prosecuted while leading the office’s OCDETF and Drug and Violent Crime sections, including:
OCDETF Southeast Region Case of the Year, in 2019, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006; Drug Enforcement Administration Award for Outstanding Contributions in Drug Law Enforcement, 2015; OCDETF International Money Laundering Investigation of the Year, 2014;
National HIDTA Award, Executive Office of the President of the United States, 2011; FBI Award for Outstanding Contributions in Operation UPT, May 2011; and DEA Achievement Award, 2005;

She is happily married to Martin Kleinpeter and the proud mother of two adult children, Rebecca and Craig, and doting grandmother to her greatest joy, granddaughter, Eleanor Claire.

In honor of Women’s History Month, this week USAO-MDLA spotlights Appellate Chief M. Patricia Jones.
Ms. Jones has been an AUSA for the District for 30 years. She has served as the District’s Appellate Chief since May 2015 and previously served three stints as Senior Litigation Counsel. In addition, she has served as Deputy Criminal Chief, CHIP Attorney, Criminal Division Appellate Coordinator, and District Election Officer. Prior to joining the USAO, Ms. Jones was an Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Criminal Division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Both as a federal prosecutor and as a state prosecutor, she has handled primarily white collar prosecutions, including public corruption, fraud, and environmental cases. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and her law degree from the University of Virginia, where she served on the Law Review. Following Law School, she clerked for the Honorable Adrian G. Duplantier, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Ms. Jones is the proud single mom of Emily Alexandra, adopted from Kazakhstan in 2004.

For the past 20 years, USAO-MDLA has participated in St. Vincent de Paul’s Build-A-Basket Drive. This Project is an annual collection of Spring and Easter goodies for underprivileged children in the Baton Rouge area who wouldn’t otherwise receive a basket during this special time of year. This year our staff generously contributed to the Project by preparing 21 baskets.

In honor of Women’s History Month, this week USAO-MDLA spotlights Appellate Chief M. Patricia Jones.

Ms. Jones has been an AUSA for the District for 30 years. She has served as the District’s Appellate Chief since May 2015 and previously served three stints as Senior Litigation Counsel. In addition, she has served as Deputy Criminal Chief, CHIP Attorney, Criminal Division Appellate Coordinator, and District Election Officer. Prior to joining the USAO, Ms. Jones was an Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Criminal Division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Both as a federal prosecutor and as a state prosecutor, she has handled primarily white collar prosecutions, including public corruption, fraud, and environmental cases. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and her law degree from the University of Virginia, where she served on the Law Review. Following Law School, she clerked for the Honorable Adrian G. Duplantier, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Ms. Jones is the proud single mom of Emily Alexandra, adopted from Kazakhstan in 2004.

Join us as we celebrate the women of USAO-MDLA for their remarkable achievements and contributions to justice, together with all women who have shaped history and continue to inspire us today.

In honor of Women’s History Month, USAO-MDLA will spotlight a different woman each week for the month of March. Starting this series is Catherine Maraist. She was the first female Civil and Appellate Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Mrs. Maraist is currently a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Breazeale Sachse and Wilson, LLP. She focuses her practice on white collar civil, criminal defense, healthcare and she regularly defends health care providers and other businesses in claims arising from federal regulatory statutes. Mrs. Maraist has extensive experience through her time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in matters involving federal criminal law, federal civil law and procedure, civil and criminal health care fraud, appellate advocacy, trial advocacy, and professional responsibility. She is a writer and lecturer in various areas of federal civil and criminal law, including health care fraud and compliance. She has also served as an instructor in criminal and civil trial advocacy and appellate advocacy programs at LSU Law School and at the Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Center.

Dual Resident Doctor Sentenced to 52 Months in Federal Prison for Tax Evasion

DUAL RESIDENT DOCTOR SENTENCED TO 52 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR TAX EVASION United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr., announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Dr. Melissa Rose Barrett, age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Clive, Iowa, to 52 months in federal prison following her conviction for tax evasion.

Denham Springs Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Federal Prison for Access Device Fraud and Inducing a False Statement in the Application of a Firearm

Denham Springs Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Federal Prison for Access Device Fraud and Inducing a False Statement in the Application of a Firearm United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that the Honorable John deGravelles sentenced Jaylon Jamare Smullen, age 23, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, to 108 months in federal prison following his convictions for access device fraud and inducing a false statement in the application of a fi...

Vermillion Parish Man Sentenced to 192 Months in Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

Vermillion Parish Man Sentenced to 192 Months in Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Jeremy Melancon, 47, of Kaplan, Louisiana, to 192 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Louisiana Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdla/pr/louisiana-man-arrested-assaulting-law-enforcement-and-other-charges-during-jan-6

Louisiana Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Louisiana Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach A Louisiana man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including for assaulting law enforcement during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral vote...

Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Contraband in Prison

Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Contraband in Prison United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Dervelle T. Barnes, age 37, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 33 months in federal prison following his conviction for possessing contraband in prison.