District Attorney Jason Williams Delivers Justice For Victims, Secures New Grand Jury Indictments

NEW ORLEANS – Today, District Attorney Williams continues to work to deliver justice for victims and survivors as he announces seven recent Grand Jury indictment decisions. The District Attorney’s Office remains focused on prosecuting serious, violent offenders in our neighborhoods.

After Lashontay Powell’s five-month-old son died at Children’s Hospital from multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, broken collarbone, broken leg, and broken arm, Powell & her boyfriend, Jacques Miller, were arrested. According to reports, an examination by the Coroner’s Office showed the child suffered from blunt force trauma. Powell was indicted for second degree cruelty to a juvenile and Miller was indicted for second degree murder.

Charles Banks was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting children under 13 over a number of years. According to reports, Banks has engaged children in a number of explicit, sexual acts; Banks was indicted for first degree rape, indecent behavior with a juvenile and two counts of sexual battery of a juvenile under 13.

After allegedly shooting five people, murdering three individuals and wounding two individuals, Jy’Harin Moten was indicted for three counts of second degree murder and two counts of attempted second degree murder. According to reports, Moten was caught with a firearm that was a ballistic match to the casings recovered from the crime scene as well as the projectiles recovered during the autopsies of all three deceased victims.

Following a physical altercation with Daniel Dowd that ended in Francisco Romero allegedly stabbing Dowd to death, Romero was arrested. According to reports, Romero accidentally wounded his sister during the incident. Romero was indicted for second degree murder and aggravated second degree battery.

Additionally, LaAlbert Powe and Tosheam Dudley were indicted for first degree rape and second degree kidnapping. Allegedly, the victim was attacked, strangled until she lost consciousness and raped at an unknown apartment by these two men. According to reports, the defendants’ DNA was linked to the sexual assault kit.

In addition to correcting the sins of the past in the criminal legal system that has led to mass incarceration and wrongful convictions, District Attorney Williams has committed to prioritizing violent, serious crimes occurring in New Orleans. These indictments are proof positive of this commitment and the DA’s Office looks forward to securing justice for the victims and their families.