Federal Grand Jury Indicts Baton Rouge Man in Connection to LSU Bomb Threat

BATON ROUGE—United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr., announced that the federal grand jury returned an indictment against William Bouvay, Jr., age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in connection with the bomb threat that on Monday caused the evacuation of LSU’s campus. Bouvay was charged with one count of willfully conveying false information concerning the attempt to destroy property by means of explosives in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 844(e). If convicted, Bouvay faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Cazayoux stated, “This investigation is an example of the strong, collaborative efforts of university, local, state, and federal law enforcement. These investigative agencies moved expeditiously and decisively to identify and prosecute the individual responsible for the recent bomb threat against LSU. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of all agencies involved in quickly resolving this investigation. We will continue to work closely with District Attorney Hillar Moore to achieve the best result possible in this case which wreaked havoc and disrupted the lives of the people of LSU and the entire city of Baton Rouge.”

According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson, “This investigation should send a clear message to the public and to those who make such terroristic threats to elicit fear, that the FBI and its law enforcement partners will quickly and fully deploy all available resources to bring such individuals to justice.”

District Attorney Hillar Moore stated, “I again commend the strong efforts of our university, local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in quickly solving this crime. We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in our joint investigation and prosecution.”

“This investigation is an example of the success of law enforcement partnerships at the local, state, and federal level within Louisiana,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “The swift culmination of this arrest is indicative of the overwhelming response and resources available to public safety agencies when we work together. I applaud the LSU Administration and the LSU Police Department for their leadership in this investigation.”

“I believe this incident was a prime example of all levels of the law enforcement community working together toward a common goal,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “That goal was the safety of the students, staff, and visitors on the LSU campus. I was impressed with the way all agencies on the local, state, and federal level worked together not only for the safety of those on campus, but also in the apprehension of the person responsible. I am pleased that the Sheriff’s Office could assist, and we will certainly be there to help anytime we are needed.”

Chief Lawrence Rabalais, LSU Police Department, stated, “The cooperation of the various agencies in this incident is a clear message that this type of action will not be tolerated in our community. The investigation and subsequent arrest, within 48 hours of the incident, are a strong indication of that message.”

The investigation is being conducted by the LSU Police, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, FBI, ATF&E, U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and Baton Rouge City Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frederick A. Menner, Jr.

Orlando Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking a Child into the New Orleans Area, Faces Life in Prison

NEW ORLEANS—Benson December Coriolant, 30, of Orlando, Florida, was convicted today by a federal jury of all four counts of which he was charged, announced United States Attorney Jim Letten. He was charged with and convicted of sex trafficking of a child, conspiring with others to sex traffic a child, coercing and enticing an individual to engage in prostitution, and coercing and enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

According to evidence introduced at trial, in late 2008, Coriolant met R.V., a 14-year-old female. Shortly thereafter, he began a sexual relationship with her. After convincing the minor that their relationship was one of boyfriend/girlfriend, Coriolant recruited R.V. to begin working for him as a prostitute in the Orlando area. Coriolant posted advertisements on multiple city-specific Internet classified ad websites offering prostitution services of the minor. Over the course of the next year, Coriolant forced R.V. to engage in dozens of sexual acts in exchange for money throughout the entire state of Florida. Coriolant forced R.V. to turn over the money she earned from prostitution either to him or one of his associates. Coriolant also provided R.V. with alcohol and illicit and mood-altering drugs as a way of numbing her senses and controlling her behavior.

In March 2010, Coriolant drove R.V., who was the 15 year old, to Kenner, Louisiana, to work as a prostitute. Coriolant used the New Orleans version of the online classified advertisement website to solicit individuals interested in paying for sex with the minor. Coriolant required R.V. to put the money she made from prostitution—thousands of dollars—into a bank account for his benefit. He further forced her to account for all of her expenses, including personal expenses such as food, in a journal, daily letters, and text messages to him.

On April 24, 2010, R.V. was discovered by law enforcement authorities and, ultimately, sent back to Orlando with relatives. Once back in Orlando, Coriolant instructed R.V. to continue engaging in prostitution but to have sex only with regular, familiar clients because of concerns with law enforcement finding her.

In May 2010, Coriolant sent the minor back to New Orleans a second time to work as a prostitute. Coriolant again advertised sex with the minor on the online classified advertisement website. R.V. was arrested several days later.

Witness testimony and evidence set forth at trial, including recordings of phone calls between Coriolant and R.V., further proved that money from the commercial sex exploitation of the minor was provided to Coriolant. The documentary evidence and recorded calls also proved that Coriolant instructed R.V. in what to charge for sex, how to provide him with the profits, how to attract business, how to avoid being apprehended by law enforcement, and how to perform certain sexual acts.

Sentencing has been scheduled for December 20, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. Coriolant faces a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release. Coriolant can also be required to register as a sex offender.

Speaking to today’s conviction, United States Attorney Jim Letten stated:

“Today’s conviction—and the presentation of the chilling testimony and evidence which, over the past few days, painted a stark picture of the grim realities, abuses, and human degradation of human trafficking—must serve as both a wake-up call and a warning to parents, citizens, and law enforcement officials alike that the child sex slave industry is a very real, clear, and present danger. My thanks go to the tremendous prosecution team, our FBI partners, and our Victim Assistance team for bringing this predator to justice and for protecting the lives of victims in this and other cases. We must and will remain vigilant in identifying and relentlessly pursuing those who steal our childrens’ lives by subjecting them to sexual slavery.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was further brought as part of the Innocence Lost National Initiative, which was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the nine years since its inception, the initiative has resulted in the development of 47 dedicated task forces and working groups throughout the U.S. involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working in tandem with U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Division. The Tampa Division of the FBI and the Kenner, Louisiana Police Department also provided critical investigative assistance. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Juliana Etland, and Sean Toomey.

Individual Arrested for Interference with a Flight Crew and Assault

Today the FBI arrested Fafane Daniel, age 32, for interfering with a flight crew and assault. Daniel boarded Southwest Airlines flight 2509 this morning, which departed from Fort Lauderdale and was bound for Las Vegas. The flight was diverted to New Orleans Armstrong International Airport due to an in-flight altercation between Daniel and another passenger. The plane landed in New Orleans at approximately 7:30 a.m., and Daniel was arrested shortly thereafter.

Daniel will make her initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge this afternoon. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Two Slidell Brothers Sentenced for Federal Drug Violations

NEW ORLEANS—Robby Ray, age 36, and Courtney Ray, age 34, both residents of Slidell, Louisiana, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle today after the two pleaded guilty in May 2012 to federal drug charges, announced U.S Attorney Jim Letten.

Robby Ray was sentenced to 18 years (216 months) of incarceration pursuant to a plea agreement with the government that was accepted by the court. Robby Ray had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess and possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base (“crack”), along with two distribution charges along with two counts of unlawful use of a communications facility (use of a phone to facilitate the drug conspiracy). Courtney Ray was sentenced to over three years (40 months) of incarceration after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”). According to court documents, the two men conspired with others in the Slidell area from before February 2010 until approximately September 2010 to possess and possess with intent to distribute varying amounts of cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base (“crack”).

In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Lemelle imposed five years of supervisory release as to Robby Ray and three years of supervisory release as to Courtney Ray, following the term of imprisonment, during which time each defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violate any terms of his supervised release.

This investigation was initiated based upon a request for assistance by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Deputies and detectives with the Narcotics Unit of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter over the course of several months. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Sean Toomey.

Former Law Enforcement Officers Sentenced for Conspiracy

NEW ORLEANS—Kevin J. Guillot, age 43, and Daniel G. Spears, age 40, were sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. Guillot was sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release, $1,754 in restitution, and $100 special assessment. Spears was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, followed by one year supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Anthony Venezia, age 34, was also sentenced today to one year probation, $100 special assessment, and 50 hours of community services for one count of misprision of a felony. Each defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violate any terms of his supervised release.

According to court documents, Guillot was employed by the New Orleans Police Department for approximately 20 years, rising to the rank of sergeant. In or around April 2012, Guillot resigned from the NOPD. Likewise, Spears was employed as a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy, off-and-on, from 2001 through 2011. Spears resigned from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in or around February 2012.

According to court documents, in or around June 2011, a truck owned by Guillot began malfunctioning and, instead of paying for the repairs, Guillot and others, including Spears, concocted a scheme to defraud his insurance company, Progressive Insurance Company. According to the factual basis, on or about June 28, 2011, Guillot called 911, reported he was in Jefferson Parish all day on a boat with his nephew, Venezia, and claimed his truck had been stolen from a boat launch in Jefferson Parish. Spears, as the JPSO deputy on duty, wrote a police report, substantiating Guillot’s claim. Guillot also called Progressive, his insurance company, and claimed his truck was stolen. In reality, according to court documents, Guillot placed these calls from his home in New Orleans and the truck in question was not stolen but was, in fact, located in his driveway at his home. Thus, as was known by both Guillot and Spears, the claim to the insurance company made by Guillot was false, and Spears’ police report was also false. Additionally, in or around July 2011, Guillot’s nephew, Venezia, was interviewed by representatives of Progressive, and he made numerous false statements to support Guillot’s fraudulent story.

The case was investigated by agents Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as officers from the New Orleans Police Department-Public Integrity Bureau.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Chester.