LAFAYETTE, La. – James Panos, 56, of Broussard, La., was sentenced to 72 months in prison for one count of racketeering conspiracy at the now closed Desperado’s Cabaret in Carencro, La.
On May 15, 2013, Panos was charged along with others in a 10-count indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and firearms charges. The charges are the result of an investigation of drug trafficking, drug distribution, prostitution, and other illegal activity that took place at Desperado’s Cabaret.
Panos was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and agreed to forfeit illegal proceeds, 10 firearms already seized, the Desperado’s property, to include the building and land.
Panos’ wife, Jennifer Panos, 48, of Broussard, was also sentenced to 48 months in prison and two years of supervised release for one count of racketeering conspiracy, as well as forfeiture of the items listed.
The investigation into Desperado’s Cabaret was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and Lafayette Metro Narcotics.
Assistant United States Attorneys Myers Namie and Daniel McCoy prosecuted the case. The total amount of assets and proceeds seized and forfeited is approximately $1.2 million.
Desperado’s has been closed since December 5, 2012, and will remain so indefinitely.
Related Federal Cases
- Mike Bueno, Racketeering, Texas 2024 · Louisiana
- Antoine Clark, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Louisiana 2017 · Louisiana
- Frank Labruzzo, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Louisiana 2020 · Louisiana
- Dillon Arceneaux, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy, Louisiana 2023 · Louisiana
- Antonio Damon Atkins, Dogfighting Conspiracy, Louisiana 2023 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Organized Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Organized Crime|Drug TraffickingOrganized Crime|Drug TraffickingOrganized Crime|Drug TraffickingOrganized Crime|Drug Trafficking