Carlos A. Lopez, Misdemeanor Disposal of Government Records, Louisiana 2026

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – In a shocking case of obstruction, former federal prosecutor Carlos A. Lopez and Dallas-based criminal defense attorney Barrett R. Howell were sentenced for their roles in deleting text messages that they were ordered to produce in a federal healthcare fraud investigation.

The scheme began in 2021 when Lopez, a former Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, was the lead prosecutor in a healthcare fraud investigation involving three individuals. Howell, who represented one of the defendants, was accused of violating a joint defense agreement. After being served with a motion to compel discovery, both Lopez and Howell deleted text messages from their phones, thinking they could hide the evidence.

However, the deleted texts were later recovered from Howell's cloud account, and the government learned that Lopez had also deleted his text messages. As a result, Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized disposal of government records valued at less than $1,000, a misdemeanor offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641.

Howell, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the unauthorized disposal of government records valued at less than $1,000, a misdemeanor offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 641 and 2.

On February 18, 2026, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas sentenced Lopez to one year of probation and a fine of $5,000. Howell was sentenced to six months of probation and a fine of $2,500, in addition to paying $25 mandatory special assessment fees.

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government and the justice system. The unauthorized disposal of government records is a serious offense that can undermine the integrity of investigations and undermine public trust.

Defendant: Carlos A. Lopez

Criminal Charges: One count of unauthorized disposal of government records valued at less than $1,000, a misdemeanor offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641

City and State: Dallas, Texas

Exact Date: February 18, 2026

Sentence or Outcome: One year of probation and a fine of $5,000

Dollar Amounts: $5,000 fine, $25 mandatory special assessment fees

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/former-department-justice-prosecutor-and-dallas-defense-attorney-sentenced