The man was sentenced to six months in jail after he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful damage of an animal or crop facility in March. However, he had already served 104 days in jail when the sentence was passed down. The 64-year-old reportedly turned himself over for mental evaluation and spent some of his days at a secure medical facility. The rest of his presentence jail time occurred when his bond was revoked. His recent release came after 76 days behind bars. His complete sentence -- granted through a plea deal -- included a three-year sentence that saw the remaining 30 months suspended. He will also have to serve five years of probation.
]]> According to reports, the parameters of his probation include avoiding any Auburn University property, a ban from speaking with the media, a 7 p.m. curfew and a ban from attending any college sports events. He is also barred from going to a home improvement store in Hammond, Louisiana, where he was taken into custody in September 2012. The man's attorney reported that the case is not yet over, as there are other issues to attend to, including a request from the district attorney's office for $1 million in restitution for the damage done to the trees.Anyone accused of a crime should speak with an attorney before heading to court. The results of the man's plea deal in this case show how helpful an attorney can be; instead of serving three years behind bars, the man only served six months.
Source: AL.com, "Harvey Updyke Jr. leaves Lee County jail without comment after completing sentence" Ed Enoch, Jun. 10, 2013
]]>Reports indicate that the car involved in the crash was part of a stop made by sheriff's deputies earlier in the night, around 10:40 p.m. Deputies reported to LaPlace, Louisiana, after a disturbance had been reported. The Pontiac and its three occupants were stopped by authorities in the parking lot of a daiquiri shop. An outstanding warrant was discovered when police ran the name of the driver so she was taken into custody. Police then relinquished the vehicle to the two other occupants and let them go.
]]> The next four hours are unclear. Allegations from the Louisiana State Police indicate that the woman may be charged with drinking and driving. This would likely mean that she and the other occupant of the Pontiac were drinking during the time between the stop and the crash. Regardless, police said that the vehicle drifted across the median and into oncoming traffic, reportedly causing the accident that is at the heart of this matter. Three people, including the man in the Pontiac, were killed in the crash.The other vehicle involved in the incident was a 2001 Honda. One of its occupants was a pregnant woman. The driver of the Pontiac -- not the owner -- remained in a hospital the day following the accident. When she is released, reports indicate that she will be charged in St. Charles Parish. Those looking deeper into her past noted that she had a driving history that included previous drunk driving offenses. This could make her case a tough one, thus why she will likely get a lawyer to help her defend herself against any accusations.
Source: WDSU, "Car in deadly wreck involved in deputy stop hours earlier" No Author Given, Jun. 03, 2013
]]>In addition to theft of goods, the woman was booked with taking contraband to or from a penal institution; possession, distribution or sale of a pharmaceutical drug without a proper prescription; and illegal possession of Ambien. One of the 26-year-olds was also charged with taking contraband to or from a penal institution. The "contraband" found on her allegedly included marijuana because she was also charged with first-offense possession for the drugs as well as possession of tools for a crime.
]]> The 38-year-old's story is an interesting one, though. According to records, the woman has been accused of manslaughter due to her husband's death. Her husband, also 38 when he died, was killed on October 31 of last year. Police believe that the 38-year-old woman stabbed the man in his left thigh with a kitchen knife. The man died from blood loss in the apartment they shared in New Orleans. Initially, the police classified the man's death as a justifiable homicide. But in April, the wife was charged with manslaughter.She claimed that the killing was in self-defense, alleging that she was abused by her husband. During her arraignment, the woman pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. Less than a week later, she posted bond and was released. But less than a month after that, she was involved in this theft and drug scandal, potentially smearing her image for her manslaughter case. It is unclear what will happen to this woman, but a good criminal attorney can help her navigate the often complicated legal system.
Source: Times-Picayune, "New Orleans woman out on bail after being charged in husband's death is jailed on drug charges" Ramon Antonio Vargas, May. 23, 2013
]]>Though no evidence regarding other deaths was discussed, there were two other women the man was the last to see: a longtime girlfriend who went missing in 1973 and another wife who disappeared in 1984. Authorities believe he killed people in both Louisiana and Mississippi. The man was recently taken into custody in Texas by the sheriff's department. Months of investigations led to his arrest.
]]> In 1962, the man told police that his wife had fallen from the boat when he had to maneuver the boat to avoid a tree stump. She reportedly drowned in the water before he was able to rescue her. He was held by police for questioning but was released soon after. Sometime later, a grand jury heard evidence against the suspect, but the district attorney would not allow the court to consider indicting him for murder.In May of last year though, the medical examiner confirmed the cause of death in the case was homicide. The official said it was likely she was choked before her body was thrown into the water. The case was reopened soon after. The 73-year-old is currently being held in Louisiana. It is possible he will be in custody until he faces trial.
When facing serious criminal charges, it is important to retain a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. This allows the attorney time to properly prepare your defense, giving you the best chance at a positive outcome in your case.
Source: KGNB, "Suspected Louisiana and Mississippi Serial Killer Arrested Near Canyon Lake" No author given, May. 20, 2013
]]>The 36-year-old woman accused of eight counts of Medicaid fraud is the owner of the Personal Care Services Agency in Baker, Louisiana. She reportedly turned herself into the authorities earlier this month and was relocated from her home in Zachary, Louisiana, to the East Baton Rouge Parish jail. Authorities believe that her company billed the state Medicaid program for services that were never provided. The accusations allege that these reportedly false billings occurred between January and August of last year. If she is convicted of her charges, she could be in prison for up to five years and receive fines as high as $20,000 per count against her. That means she could face a fine of as much as $160,000.
]]> The other woman is a 34-year-old professional counselor. She reportedly submitted timesheets to two different companies--that both employed her--for a service that occurred at the same time. If this is true, she would be charging twice for one service, thus resulting in the single count of Medicaid fraud that state investigators have filed against her. The woman is from New Orleans and was taken into custody on the same day that the 36-year-old turned herself in. She is also in the East Baton Rouge Parish jail. She faces a similar sentence to the aforementioned suspect.Anyone in such a situation should contact a legal professional that specializes in criminal defense. Attorneys such as this can help someone who has been accused of a crime make the best possible decision regarding her or his case.
Source: Times-Picayune, "Two women booked with Medicaid fraud, attorney general's office says" Quincy Hodges, May. 13, 2013
]]>It is likely that his attorney sought a lesser sentence because of this but after being convicted, the man was still sentenced to 12 years in prison. According to reports, he is making the best of his time while there though. He is reportedly working on a degree and assisting other inmates with their educations. Though he is doing all of this, it seems that many of the victims' loved ones have still not forgiven him. Some of them showed up to a recent hearing for the man where he requested that his sentence be shortened.
]]> According to reports, the man was asking for a reduction in his sentence that would account for the time he spent being electrically monitored. It is unclear how the judge will rule on his request, but what is clear is how many of the victims' relatives feel. According to them, whatever he does in prison makes no difference because it does not bring those that have lost their lives back from the dead. A grandfather of one of the victims seemed to resent the fact that he was getting an education because his granddaughter no longer is capable of receiving one. His granddaughter was 19 years old when she died. The other two victims were 23 and 24.But the man's attorney fought for him, saying that he is being rehabilitated as is intended by the incarceration system. He also added that the things he is doing in prison are "phenomenal."
Source: WDSU News, "Drunken driver convicted in student deaths seeks reduction in sentence" No Author Given, May. 01, 2013
]]>According to reports, the 61-year-old used to work for the Internal Revenue Service. She spent three decades working for the federal tax agency before she called it quits in 2009. But authorities indicate that she operated a private tax and accounting business from 2005 to 2009 without acquiring a conflict of interest waiver from her employer. Prosecutors suggested that she knew she would not receive such a waiver due to the nature of the business, so she did not apply.
]]> The charges allege that the woman had received such waivers in the past for other businesses that were not related to taxation. If this is true, it may be one of the reasons that she chose to plead guilty. In the end, she was charged with conflict of interest and exceeding authorized access to a government computer — one count of each. Both crimes hold a maximum punishment of one year in prison and a potential fine of $100,000.Authorities said that the illegal business brought in more than $70,000 during the time that the woman was employed by the IRS. Now that her guilty plea has been filed, the only thing that is left is her sentencing, which is scheduled for September. A presentence investigation was ordered by the presiding judge. The same judge also made it known that restitution may be a possibility in this case. A legal professional is likely guiding her through this process to ensure that she receives the lightest punishment possible, especially considering the fact that she was only given misdemeanors.
Source: Shreveport Times, "Ex-IRS agent enters plea to conflict of interest" No author given, Apr. 30, 2013
]]>His charges typically carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Authorities noted this man had previous felony convictions: one in Louisiana and one in New Mexico. Because of this, the man was facing a maximum sentence of 40 years, but he received a plea deal that lowered his potential prison sentence from 40 to 28 years.
]]> The defendant was actually charged by federal prosecutors for a false bomb threat; however, that charge was dropped because the state charges would actually carry a longer sentence.Authorities believe that the defendant was behind the bomb threat because the 911 call that reported the explosive devices came from an individual who said they were involved in the planning. Police tracked this call to a deactivated cell phone that could only make emergency calls. This phone was found in the man's residence. According to reports, the defendant had been put on probation after being convicted for a previous crime in 2011 and was still on probation when this incident occurred.
The trial was scheduled to begin April 22 but will no longer be necessary because he pleaded guilty. He will be sentenced on June 28.
This defendant may be able to receive significantly less time in prison due to the plea bargain, which was only possible through the effective representation of his legal counsel. His attorney would have explained the defendant's options in this case and made sure his rights were protected.
Source: theadvocate.com, "LSU bomb suspect pleads guilty," Joe Gyan, Jr., April 16, 2013
]]>The first pair was being investigated by authorities due to a number of tips, according to police. Reports indicate that police went to the home of a 24-year--old female on the 1700 block of Southview Drive in Bossier City, Louisiana. She and her boyfriend, 33, of Shreveport, Louisiana, were in the residence at the time. Authorities allege that they discovered a digital scale and more than 50 grams of marijuana. The couple was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia as well as possession of marijuana.
]]> The sheriff's office reportedly had a warrant for the 24-year--old alleging that she had six counts of distribution of marijuana, and her 33-year--old boyfriend was charged with resisting an officer because he allegedly gave a false name. The Bossier City Police Department added another charge because the 33-year--old was reportedly a fugitive.The other arrest came at a hotel in Bossier City the same day. A 28-year--old female and a 27-year--old male were arrested when police supposedly found smoking devices and loose marijuana, as well as a .45 caliber pistol, in the vehicle that they shared. Officers reported that the duo said they had smoked the drug and the 27-year--old admitted that the gun was his. Both were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, and the man was additionally accused of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with a firearm.
In the court of law, every person is innocent until proven guilty. Any person involved in such a situation should consider seeking legal counsel to work against the charges that have been brought against them.
Source: KSLA, "BSO: Four jailed on drugs, weapons charges," Willard Woods, April 5, 2013
]]>After receiving a 12-year prison sentence, the man is now seeking post-conviction relief. He has claimed that police entered his residence on the night of the accident without a warrant, making anything he said to them invalid evidence in the case. According to reports, he confessed to the accident that took the lives of three people: a sophomore from Loranger, Louisiana; a graduate student from France; and a former football player for the school, who was once the driver's roommate.
]]> Authorities said that the 25-year-old was drinking and driving when he struck a group of pedestrians. The group had recently left a nightclub located a few blocks from the campus and they were returning home. The three aforementioned individuals were killed and two others were injured in the crash. Reports indicate that the man then drove about 100 yards more to his residence at the time, which is where the police arrested him.During this time, the 25-year-old supposedly confessed to the crime. This confession was then used in court as evidence and may have contributed to the man's choice to plead guilty. If this evidence was thrown out, the case may have gone another direction and his sentence -- if he received one -- could have been much different. A district attorney does not believe that the man's petition will change anything as the case has been fully litigated. It is unclear why his attorney did not bring this up during the original case or in an appeal.
Source: The Advocate, "Man who killed 3 pedestrians near SLU seeks case review," Bob Anderson, March 24, 2013
]]>The LHBPA is a group that is tasked with the bookkeeping for the state's four race tracks. Purses are paid out through the LHBPA and in return, the organization receives six percent of the money involved. This money is used to pay for the benefits that employees of Louisiana's horse industry receive, including retirement, workers' compensation and health care.
]]> According to a recent audit, the funds were supposedly lost between 2006 and 2010. While $828,620 was reportedly diverted from its proper target -- workers of the racehorse industry -- another $504,226 supposedly went unaccounted for because the required receipts were never turned in by top officials with the LHBPA.During the former director's guilty plea, he admitted to pilfering funds from the organization. He reportedly spent this money on spa services, political contributions, designer handbags, Caribbean vacations and luxurious dinners. According to court documents, the man is serving a 46-month prison sentence for the charges brought against him and will be required to repay $105,104.
The two lieutenants that also pled guilty are serving a 13-month prison sentence and a six-month sentence of house arrest. The official with the prison sentence was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, while the official under house arrest was accused of helping to rig the 2008 election that allowed the former director to maintain his previous title. Anyone that finds themselves in such a situation -- by association or otherwise -- should hire an attorney to help them fend off any unwarranted charges.
Source: WWLTV, "Audit: Fraud cost group $800K in public funds," Mike Perlstein, March 25, 2013
]]>Police believe that the 42-year-old was using his position as the evidence custodian for investigative operations in northern Louisiana to acquire drugs and other evidence that was slated for destruction. Allegations suggest that the former trooper conspired to distribute these drugs and may have had an accomplice working with him to do so.
]]> Authorities did not begin investigating the case until last year when officers discovered information suggesting that the trooper in question was involved in illegal activity. The subsequent investigation culminated in the execution of a search warrant on the 42-year-old man's home earlier this month. During that search, authorities said they discovered a stolen weapon and almost $50,000 in cash. Other items were supposedly discovered but not reported on because they are being processed.Officially, the 42-year-old has been charged with obstruction of justice, malfeasance in office, public payroll fraud, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine. Police believe that the trooper incorporated a 38-year-old man from Monroe, Louisiana, and used him to help move the drugs.
That reported accomplice was arrested by state troopers and charged with one count of distribution of hydrocodone and three counts of distribution of marijuana. Authorities said that the trooper may have warned the 38-year-old about being investigated, telling him to destroy evidence to conceal the crimes. An official with the Louisiana State Police said that other arrests are possible in this matter.
Everyone charged with drug crimes is given a trial in order to defend themselves. Those who believe that the charges are unwarranted should seek the assistance of an attorney so that they can make a proper case against any accusations.
Source: KSLA, "Louisiana State sergeant arrested for drug distribution," March 19, 2013
]]>The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) reported that nearly 2,000 parents are considered delinquent in Ouachita Parish. By definition, a delinquent parent is someone that has not fulfilled her or his obligation to pay child support for at least six months. DCFS lists these delinquent parents on its website, allowing the public to see who has not been making good on their court-ordered obligations.
]]> About 600 of the 2,000 delinquent parents owe more than $10,000. Around 110 owe more than $25,000. More than 20 owe more than $50,000 and one man owes more than $157,000. According to the District Attorney's Office, there are 10,000 active child support cases with another 4,000 pending. The District Attorney's Office also reported that it collected more than $17 million in back child support last year.Since 2008, it has been considered unlawful to intentionally avoid paying child support. Besides the initial misdemeanor offense, there is also a penalty for those that fail to pay more than $15,000. The amount has to be owed for more than two years. Once it is, the legal system can assess a fine of $2,500 as well as a prison sentence of less than two years.
For many delinquent parents, it is not a matter of intentionally allowing the support to go unpaid. Some have fallen on hard financial times and do not know how to address the situation. Seeking legal advice in this situation could be very beneficial and may even result in a modification in child support.
Source: The Advertiser, "2,000 child support evaders live in Monroe area," March 12, 2013
]]>The man was reportedly involved in an accident earlier this month that injured the occupants of another vehicle. That crash occurred around 6:45 p.m. at the corner of Vintage Drive and Alabama Avenue in Kenner, according to a spokesperson with the police department. A witness gave a detailed account of the accident to police.
]]> According to that report, the 48-year-old man was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on Chateau Boulevard. He was supposedly heading north on the road but in the wrong lanes. The witness who reported the accident decided to follow the pickup truck when it made a right turn onto Vintage Drive. This is when the report indicates that the truck returned to the correct traffic lane. At Alabama Avenue, the truck supposedly ran a stop sign while turning left. A Mitsubishi Galant was heading westbound on Vintage at the time and collided with the pickup truck.Police report that the driver of the Mitsubishi received some cuts but the passenger sustained a lacerated uterus, an injury that led to the death of her unborn child. She had been pregnant for seven months. The 48-year-old man is currently being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center without bond.
Crashes such as this often result in litigation, particularly because of the loss involved. The man's charges in this case and whether he is convicted will determine the severity of his punishment, something an attorney could certainly help him keep to a minimum. A civil suit may also occur, though, and keeping it separate from the criminal case can be confusing without the help of a professional.
Source: Times-Picayune, "Drunk driver accused in death of woman's unborn baby has long history of DWI arrests, Kenner cops say," Michael Hunter, March 4, 2013
]]>The woman supposedly faked credentials and acted as a hazardous waste safety instructor and inspector, according to investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA. That investigation led to three felony charges and one misdemeanor.
]]> Allegations suggested that the woman crafted a false federal identification badge for herself and for the individuals who believed that they were employed by her and OSHA. If she was not employed by OSHA though, neither were these individuals. According to documents, she reportedly identified herself as an OSHA Master Level V instructor and inspector, a designation that does not exist within the federal regulations agency. Many of her supposed employees were involved in fishing communities located in Louisiana. Authorities said that the woman's alleged scam gave her access to these communities, most of which are largely Southeast-Asian.In addition to her allegedly fraudulent identification, the woman supposedly held training seminars for individuals hoping to help clean up the oil spill. These seminars purportedly cost between $150 and $400 per class. During these sessions, participants were often told they would find employment after their training sessions were complete.
Officials recently reported that the woman plead guilty to the crimes she was charged with, but were not clear on the sort of punishment she would face.
In a court of law, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Those who have a lot of evidence working against them may plead guilty in court in order to receive a lighter sentence.
Source: Safety.BLR.com, "Woman who posed as OSHA official pleads guilty," Feb. 25, 2013
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