U.S. Attorney’s Office indicts 16 for firearms offenses in north Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that 16 defendants have been indicted in separate cases for firearms offenses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Louisiana.  A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Today’s indictments are part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

“Addressing violent crime is a priority of the Department of Justice,” said Van Hook. “By consistently identifying the leading violent offenders in our communities and employing all available tools to hold them accountable, we will combat violent crime and make our communities safer.  These indictments show our commitment to working aggressively toward this goal.”

Those indicted include:

Deontre D. Caldwell, 30, of Shreveport, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Terrence Terze Cochran, 19, of Shreveport, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Bryan D. Gates Jr., 18, of Shreveport, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Alvin Kincerely Law Jr., 30, of Shreveport, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Jeremy Moro, 40, of Minden, La., one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Ivory C. Myles, 28, of Shreveport, one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of kidnapping, one count of transportation for purpose of committing criminal sexual activity, and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Tramarciea Jovan Ruffins, 24, of Shreveport, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Xavier Breonte Strickland, 28, of Shreveport, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Christopher De’Lanio Taylor, 30, of Homer, La., one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Jason Brian Wallace, 33, of Shreveport, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The indictments of six other individuals remain sealed pending their arrest by law enforcement.

The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, ATF, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Shreveport Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation and arrest of these individuals.

            An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook is available for interview today by appointment.  Call Henri LeJeune at 337-262-6618 or Lisa Langley at 318-676-3600 to schedule an interview.