A man and a woman from Slidell, Louisiana, have been indicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, false statements in loan applications, money laundering, and violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Jamar Howard, 38, and Charenyia Carmouche, 31, were charged in a twelve-count indictment unsealed on May 30, 2025.
The indictment alleges that Howard and Carmouche submitted fraudulent loan applications to various lenders between 2023 and 2024. They reportedly used false tax documents and altered bank statements to secure loans for personal gain. The funds obtained were deposited into accounts held by the accused.
Carmouche is also charged with engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property valued over $10,000. Additionally, Howard is accused of conspiring to distribute more than 100 grams of carfentanil starting by March 26, 2024.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit offenses, both face up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Wire fraud could result in a maximum of twenty years imprisonment for Howard. Both defendants face up to thirty years for false statements in loan applications. Money laundering charges against Carmouche carry a potential ten-year sentence. Howard's drug-related charge could lead to ten years to life imprisonment.
Each count carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee upon conviction. Simpson emphasized that the indictment is merely an accusation requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams is handling the prosecution within the Narcotics Unit.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
