News from April 2023


Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to 175 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Charges

United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Courtney Clayton, age 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 175 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.


Former Baton Rouge Doctor Convicted of Distributing Controlled Substances Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison

United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Randy J. Lamartiniere, age 64, formerly a doctor in Baton Rouge and now a resident of Alexandria, Louisiana, to 180 months in federal prison following his conviction for distribution of controlled substances by a physician.


Former Postal Employee Indicted for Delaying and Stealing the Contents of U.S. Mail

DAZMON DYER, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was indicted on March 31, 2023 by a federal grand jury for unlawful delay of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a) and theft of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.


Colchester Man Sentenced in Drug Case

The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Carl Martin, 37, of Colchester, Vermont, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to 48 months of imprisonment following his June 2022 conviction at trial on drug charges. United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Martin to serve four years of supervised release following completion of his prison term.


Moultrie Man Sentenced to Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking Following High-Speed Chase in Crisp County

A Southwest Georgia man was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison after he was arrested following a high-speed chase while carrying a semi-automatic Glock, ammunition, cash and drugs a month after he was released from federal custody.


New Orleans Man Charged With Federal Cares Act Fraud

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DENT HUNTER, of New Orleans, LA, age 45, was indicted on March 31, 2023, on one count of making false statements, one count of theft of government funds, and two counts of money laundering related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).


Sixth Defendant Pleads Guilty to Local “DMV Board” Dogfighting Conspiracy

A Westmoreland County man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to engage in dogfighting.


Ansonia Man Admits Stealing and Selling Catalytic Converters

News Release: Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FRANCISCO AYALA, 22, of Ansonia, has pleaded in Hartford federal court to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.


Straw Purchaser of Gun that Killed Detroit Police Officer Sentenced to Prison

A Detroit man was sentenced today to two years in prison for purchasing a Draco pistol for his friend, Ehmani Davis, who would go on to use the firearm in the killing of Detroit Police Officer Loren Courts, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.



West Virginia doctor charged with illegal prescribing, destroying evidence

A West Virginia doctor has been indicted for the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and for destroying evidence of his alleged crimes.


Valley, Alabama Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns

United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that Christina Prather Williams, 42, from Valley, Alabama, received a sentence of 20 months in prison for preparing false federal tax returns.


High Level Member of Chicago Gang Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring To Distribute Heroin

News Release: CHICAGO - A high-level member of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang has been sentenced to 120 months, plus eight years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute wholesale quantities of heroin on the West Side of Chicago.


Columbus man arrested, charged with trafficking multiple victims for sex through violence and the use of drugs

A 28-year-old Columbus man was ordered detained after he appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge here today after a criminal complaint charging him with sex trafficking was unsealed.


Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing $1.6M in Unemployment Insurance Benefits

A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft arising out of a scheme to defraud multiple states out of more than $1.6 million in pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.


Defendant Convicted of Joining Others in Planning and Carrying Out Attack

A California man has been convicted of conspiracy and other crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.


Zephyrhills Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Making a Destructive Device

News Release: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James John Hall (34, Zephyrhills) has pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully making a firearm (destructive device). Hall faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Hall has also agreed to forfeit the destructive device, which includes a pipe, Tannerite, pyrotechnic powder, and pyrotechnic fuse.


Howard County Man Facing Federal Charges for Allegedly Making a Threatening Phone Call to an LGBTQ Advocacy Group

A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Adam Michael Nettina, age 34, of West Friendship, Maryland, for using the telephone to threaten a group that advocates for LGBTQ individuals.


Pecos Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Attempted Murder

A Pecos man was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos last week to 180 months in prison for attempted murder.


Department of Justice Distributes Compensation to People Harmed by Lack of Accessible Features at Residential Rental Properties Covered in Fair Housing Act Lawsuit

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota, through Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl, acting under authority conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, announced today that the Department of Justice has started delivering payments to individuals harmed by the lack of accessible features at West Fargo and Grand Forks properties that were the subject of a recent federal lawsuit alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).