During the recent federal government shutdown, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana continued its operations, focusing on public safety and prosecution of major cases. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller highlighted a dozen significant prosecutions that took place during this period.
“Our Office’s support staff and prosecutors remained committed to and focused on our mission to make this community safe alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners throughout the shutdown,” U.S. Attorney Keller said. “These dozen cases are just a sample of the impactful matters that our Office continues to prosecute, ranging from combatting child predators, to tackling violent crime, to prosecuting sophisticated frauds including bribery schemes and healthcare fraud. Our Office and partners will continue to stand firm and work tirelessly to make Louisiana a safer place to live, work, raise and family, and run a business.”
Among those prosecuted was Boris Braggs, an elementary school teacher and pastor in Monroe who was indicted for attempted enticement of a minor after allegedly arranging online to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex in exchange for money. Braggs was arrested upon arrival at the meeting location.
Willie Lee Baker of Shreveport faced indictment for conspiring to distribute fentanyl resulting in death or serious injury.
Brandon Jermaine Francisco pleaded guilty to carjacking resulting in death after admitting he killed an Uber/Lyft driver in 2022; sentencing is scheduled for January 2026.
Mahmoud Amin Ya’Qub Al-Muhtadi was indicted following his alleged involvement in the Hamas-led terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Three individuals—Dusty Guidry, Leonard Franques, and Joseph Prejean—were sentenced for their roles in a Lafayette-area bribery scheme related to the local district attorney’s pretrial intervention program. Another defendant is awaiting sentencing.
Charlie L. Simpson and Charles D. Gardner received sentences of ten years and four years respectively for bank fraud involving check-kiting schemes at United Care and Trinity Home Health.
Thomas Dewayne Dew received life imprisonment for conspiracy involving methamphetamine distribution in Sabine Parish.
Michael L. Riggins was sentenced for health care fraud connected with fraudulent durable medical equipment claims totaling over $3 million submitted to Medicare between 2018-2023; he must pay restitution of about $1.8 million.
Damario M. Lyons received more than 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine across Southwest Louisiana.
Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux was sentenced after pleading guilty to wire fraud related to federal nutrition assistance program funds; her father and sister have also pled guilty with sentencing pending next year.
Christopher Culton received over eleven years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography following evidence found on his cell phones during an investigation prompted by law enforcement tips.
Clarence Reginald Colar received ten years’ imprisonment after violating supervised release by possessing child pornography discovered during an unannounced probation visit.
The office emphasized that indictments are allegations only until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
Additional information can be accessed via the United States Attorney’s Office website or through the District Court’s records system.
