DA Press Releases

Cannizzaro: Citizen Cooperation a Critical Component of N.O. Justice System

(New Orleans, LA) – This week, the Orleans Parish District Attorney's disposed of several felony cases through convictions, including three homicides, an armed robbery and a contractor fraud case. Victim and/or witness testimony were critical to the successful prosecution of all these cases and indicate positive improvements in the execution of justice in New Orleans, said Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon A. Cannizzaro, Jr. “As we've witnessed this week, victim and witness participation are crucial components to effective prosecution, and my office will continue to exercise great care and caution in identifying and working with victims and witnesses throughout this process,” Cannizzaro said. This week, Norman Newman, 35, pled guilty to manslaughter for his involvement in the shooting death of Clifton Barnes, which occurred on July 10, 2006 inside of a FEMA trailer that was located in the 3600 block of Saint Claude Avenue. Newman will be sentenced to 40 years in prison for this conviction on Monday, September 14, 2009. Russel J. Bentley, 42, a co-defendant in this case, is awaiting trial for second degree murder for his alleged involvement in this crime. Assistant District Attorneys Brigid Collins and Stephen Collins prosecuted this case. Reubens Convicted of 2nd Degree Murder Peter Reubens, 59, was convicted by a jury of second degree murder of his employer and apprentice, Robert Irwin. Rubens fatally shot Irwin four times in the chest on June 29, 2008 following a disagreement over work-related issues. The incident took place in the 5000 block of South Prieur Street. Rubens will be sentenced Monday, August 21, 2009. Assistant District Attorneys Matthew Bourque and Jason Cuccia prosecuted this case. Anderson Convicted of Central City Murders Wednesday, a jury convicted Michael Anderson, 22, of five counts of first degree murder for an incident that occurred in Central City on June 17, 2006. During the incident, five men were shot to death inside of a SUV at the intersection of Josephine and Daneel Streets. The victims were Warren Simeon, Iraun Taylor, Reggie Dantzler, and brothers Arsenio Hunter and Markee Hunter. This case is presently undergoing the sentencing phase wherein jurors will determine whether to sentence Anderson to life imprisonment or death by lethal injection. Assistant District Attorneys Kevin Guillory and John Alford are prosecuting this case. Masked Robber and Accomplice Convicted Prosecutors plan to file a multiple bill to have co-defendants Dominique Hawthorne, 21, and Rayshaud E. Green, 19, sentenced as repeat offenders for their respective roles in a 2008 armed robbery, which occurred in the 3100 block of North Roman Street at approximately 5:45 am on October 19, 2008. During the incident, a male victim was driving his car down North Roman Street when the defendants stepped into the vehicle's path to block it from passing, according to reports. One subject, who was wearing a mask, produced a handgun, and demanded the victim's money, keys and car. The two perpetrators fled in the victim's car and were arrested hours later when officers found them in possession of the stolen vehicle. The defendants were convicted this week and face at least 49 ½ years in prison for this crime. Green will be sentenced Friday, September 25, 2009. Hawthorne will be sentenced Friday, October 2, 2009. Assistant District Attorneys Eusi Phillips and Kathleen Barrios prosecuted this case. Contractor Ordered to Repay Victims Leroy J. Smith, 45, pled guilty during trial to two counts of unauthorized use of a movable and one count of felony theft for contractor fraud related charges wherein victims were deprived of more than $80,000. The defendant was ordered to pay restitution to the victims. Assistant District Attorneys Margaret Parker and Stephen Gonzalez prosecuted this case. Wayne Brown, 47, was convicted by a jury of second degree domestic violence. Brown, a quadruple offender, will be sentenced on Thursday, October 1, 2009. Assistant District Attorneys Laura Cannizzaro and Matt Lastrapes prosecuted this matter. Dion Nixon pled guilty during jury selection to unauthorized use of a movable and was sentenced to five years in prison. Assistant District Attorneys Abigail MacDonald and Oliver Smith prosecuted this case.

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