F FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     CONTACT: KATHY ENGLISH   

FEBRUARY 19, 2008                            PHONE: (504) 680-3068          

WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/LAE                              

FAX: (504) 589-4978  

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -DAVID C. BATTENBERG, a/k/a "Bird" age (27), a resident of Metairie, Louisiana and DIEGO A. PEREZ, age (18), a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a federal criminal complaint with being involved in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, cocaine and other controlled substances, announced United States Attorney Jim Letten and Special Agent in Charge James Bernazzani, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

PEREZ and BATTENBERG'S arrests by FBI Special Agents followed a swift and deliberate undercover investigation which was initiated following the heroin overdose death of a local 16-year-old girl in January, 2008.

Specifically, as set forth in detail in the affidavit supporting the federal complaint and arrest warrants for BATTENBERG and PEREZ on the heroin and drug distribution charges, FBI

Special Agents, together with Assistant United States Attorneys acting on information obtained, on three separate occasions executed search warrants on the cellphone belonging to Perez for text messages which demonstrated that PEREZ was the source of supply for the heroin ingested by the young female victim, and further demonstrating that BATTENBERG had supplied heroin and other drugs to PEREZ.

Following further undercover investigation beginning in February, 2008, an individual acting in undercover capacity communicated with and made arrangements to purchase heroin from DIEGO PEREZ - culminating in a February 15, 2008 purchase of heroin from PEREZ. Immediately thereafter PEREZ was arrested by FBI Special Agents.

Continuing the undercover investigation with the assistance and cooperation of PEREZ, agents and prosecutors established both the location and identity of PEREZ' alleged source, DAVID BATTENBERG.

Acting on evidence obtained and probable cause, on February 16, 2008, FBI Agents obtained a federal search warrant for BATTENBERG's address at 3424 Bauvais Street in Metairie, resulting in BATTENBERG's arrest at the home and seizure of quantities of heroin, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine.

The United States Attorney has stated that the investigation will continue, and the matter will be presented in the coming days to a federal grand jury to consider charges.

Addressing this weekend's arrests and the continuing investigation, United States Attorney Jim Letten stated:

"The arrest of these two individuals on heroin distribution charges which we announce today signals something more important than the apprehension of drug dealers. Rather, it signals the end of a drug distribution business which caused the loss of life of a child. The swift and decisive actions of the FBI, coupled with our team of prosecutors, has once more ended a threat to the safety of our children. But make no mistake about it - while we in federal enforcement through our best, our boldest, and our most aggressive efforts can work around the clock with all that we have to apprehend, arrest, imprison, and bring to justice those who endanger our children - it is only through education, prevention, and the vigilance of our children themselves, along with parents and teachers, which can prevent the loss of precious life.

Together with our partners in the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, and other state and local agencies, we will continue to do everything in our power to save our children, from the B.W. Cooper Development to St. Charles Avenue; from Metairie to Treme. Wherever this threat exists, we will also be there."

Special Agent in Charge James Bernazzani added:

"Unlike most investigations, the driving force behind this quick and successful neutralization of a most deadly heroin ring, was the dogged decision that no more children will die. Working twenty-four hours a day seven days a week, under very difficult circumstances, FBI Agents and Task Force Officers from NOPD and JPSO quickly and successfully unraveled this drug ring. The heroin that was being pushed was the purest we have seen on the streets of New Orleans in a very long time. Because of the skillful and determined work of law enforcement, we can state relative to this drug ring that no more children will die.

The FBI also has the identities of children who availed themselves to this deadly heroin ring but are still alive. FBI agents will be visiting the parents of these victims to inform them of our concern. To the parents, if you are approached by the FBI and informed of your child's relationship with this now defunct heroin ring, this is not the time for punishment, but for hugs. Your child needs you more now than any time in their young lives. This heroin was very addictive and unfortunately, deadly. Get your child to treatment. Again, love should rule the day, not anger."

Based upon the quantities of heroin involved in the undercover investigation, the heroin distribution conspiracy and distribution-related charges, each carry federal prison terms of up to twenty (20) years.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation assigned to the New Orleans Field Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu, Supervisor of the United States Attorney's Drug Unit, and Assistant United States Attorney William J. Quinlan, Jr.