Through this team's hard work, Banks was found guilty of Attempted First Degree Rape, Attempted Sexual Battery Victim Under Age of 13, and two counts of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile Victim Under Age of 13.

OPDA SUV Chief Alicia Bennett and ADA Michelle Jones led this prosecution, with the capable support of Special Victims Unit Project Manager Sydney Houlemard, Victim/Witness Child Advocate Ciara Bradford and Sex Crimes Investigator Ronnie Puigh.

Yesterday, the DA's Office Special Victims Unit secured a conviction of defendant Charles Banks for child sexual abuse committed in Gentilly New Orleans.

With sentencing scheduled October 6th, the defendant faces up to 100 years in prison for his actions.

OPDA was represented by the trial team of OPDA ADAs Andre Jeanfreau and Adele Krieger along with Victim Advocate Jasmine Hillyer and Trial Assistant Erin Fuenning, who presented a well-prepared case en route to this conviction.

The DA’s Office secured the conviction of Jermal Williams stemming from a shooting incident in Uptown New Orleans. Following a three-day jury trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of Manslaughter, Obstruction of Justice and Illegal Possession of a Firearm By Felon.

“I along with the entire District Attorney’s office extend our sincere gratitude to Chief Woodfork for her incredible leadership and humble dedication to the NOPD and the people of this City.' - DA Williams

Today, DA Williams released a statement recognizing the work of interim New Orleans Police Chief Michelle Woodfork for for her leadership and results as acting superintendent.

Hurtado pled guilty to manslaughter and a sentence of 40 years, for his role in the killing of 75-year-old tourist, David Sorenson.

The DA’s Office secured a conviction, via guilty plea, of defendant Martin Hurtado for an incident that took place in the 2100 block of St. Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans on December 1, 2022.

Creating a safe community for everyone requires individuals who make it their job to ensure public safety. It's important to recognize and honor the efforts of these civic leaders as they bring us closer to achieving this goal.

The event was held to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of federal, state, and local criminal justice professionals over the past year.

This week, DA Williams had the honor of being a keynote speaker at the MetroCrimeNOLA Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards Luncheon in Downtown New Orleans.

An Orleans Parish Special Grand Jury charged Hecker with Aggravated Rape, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Crime Against Nature and Theft.

Special thanks to FA McGowan and LA State Police INV. Rodrigue for their diligence to build a strong case to present before grand jury.

Today, DA Williams announced the Grand Jury indictment of former New Orleans Catholic Priest Lawrence Hecker for sex abuse crimes that occurred between January 1, 1975, and December 31, 1976.

Happy Labor Day from DA Williams and the entire DA’s Office to you and your family.

Have a happy and safe holiday.

Today, the DA's Office secured a guilty plea for the tragic murder of 18-year-old Edna Karr Student-Athlete Keyron Ross. The perpetrator will receive a 40-year maximum sentence for the homicide with an added 10 years for obstruction of justice.

Special thanks to Captain Roberts, Mr. Polakoff and Board Members for inviting our office to this important meeting to identify ways to ways to increase safety in New Orleans, together.

This meeting served as a great opportunity for our office to engage with the community and provided the community with the chance to give input on the priorities and direction of their prosecutor’s office.

DA Williams, Chief of External Affairs Keith D. Lampkin and Chief of Screening Andre Gaudin, Jr. joined leaders from the Police Community Advisory Board, NOPD and the community at the New Orleans Police Department 8th District Police Community Advisory Board Meeting in Downtown New Orleans.