Louisiana Feds Claw Back $1 Billion, Seize 341 Guns

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The long arm of the federal government reached deep into Louisiana pockets and armories in Fiscal Year 2022, hauling in over $1 billion through civil and criminal actions, according to U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The Eastern District of Louisiana isn’t just writing tickets; they’re dismantling criminal enterprises and attempting to make victims whole, one seized dollar and weapon at a time.

The haul breaks down to $7.78 million from criminal cases and a staggering $992.4 million from civil penalties. This isn’t just about fines; it’s about restitution for those harmed by federal crimes – physical injury or financial loss. While victims see direct payments, the fines and assessments funnel into the Crime Victims Fund, bolstering victim compensation and assistance programs nationwide.

Beyond the raw cash, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, alongside partner agencies, snagged over $10 million in forfeited assets and a significant 341 firearms. One notable case involved Michael Malone, a convicted felon busted with 36 firearms – weapons now slated for destruction after judicial forfeiture. The message is clear: criminals holding onto illegal heat in Louisiana will face consequences. The forfeited funds are intended to be reinvested into victim support and further law enforcement efforts.

The biggest single payout came from the fallout of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, with over $850 million collected from BP Exploration & Production Inc. But the feds weren’t just chasing big oil money. Ritchel Morehead, who pled guilty to wire fraud, was forced to cough up $310,205.91 to cover restitution owed to the victims of her fraudulent investment scheme. And the prosecution of Erik Martin and Darrel Fitzpatrick, convicted in a “massive bribery and fraud scheme” targeting the United States Marine Corps, resulted in the forfeiture of $1,473,393.50 in ill-gotten gains, as described by the sentencing judge.

“These statistics demonstrate our commitment and dedication to victims of crimes and to the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana through the successful forfeiture and collection of funds in civil and criminal cases,” stated U.S. Attorney Evans. “Our office’s Monetary Penalties and Recovery Unit helps to protect the public by holding accountable those who have profited from the crimes they committed both in our District, and beyond. Equally important, the seizure of dangerous firearms from prohibited individuals helps reduce violent crime in our community.”

Evans also highlighted the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra Giavotella and Churita Hansell, along with support staff Jerrilyn A. Dufauchard, David Vigier, Ilan Adona, Danielle Smith-Graham, Christina Garcia, and Monica Washington. The Grimy Times will continue to follow the trail of these forfeited funds and seized weapons, ensuring accountability and transparency in the pursuit of justice – and the recovery of stolen money – in Louisiana.