Deborah Cooper, a 54-year-old resident of New Orleans, was found guilty on multiple charges related to two robberies that occurred in 2022 at Igor’s Lounge. The verdict was delivered by a federal trial jury under the supervision of U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

Cooper faced seven counts, including conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery, both violations of federal law. Additionally, she was charged with using and brandishing a firearm during these crimes, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and tampering with proceedings.

The court documents revealed that Cooper and an unidentified accomplice executed the robberies in February and March of 2022 at Igor’s Lounge on St. Charles Avenue. In both incidents, they held bartenders at gunpoint before stealing cash amounts exceeding $1,200 in February and over $7,000 in March.

The New Orleans Police Department conducted an investigation which included reviewing surveillance footage that captured Cooper's vehicle near the scene of one robbery. A subsequent search warrant led to the discovery of clothing linked to the crimes, cash amounting to $1,200, and a Smith & Wesson firearm hidden by Cooper. They also found blue latex gloves matching those used during the second robbery.

Judge Milazzo will sentence Cooper on May 7, 2025. She faces severe penalties including a mandatory minimum sentence of 14 years for firearms offenses related to violent crime and additional potential sentences for other charges totaling up to life imprisonment. Moreover, she could be sentenced to up to 20 years for conspiracy and Hobbs Act Robbery convictions as well as up to 10 years for possessing a firearm as a felon. After serving her prison term, she may face up to five years of supervised release along with fines or restitution payments.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the New Orleans Police Department were instrumental in investigating this case which is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany Reed and Sarah Dawkins from the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit.