A New Orleans woman, Deborah Cooper, 54, was convicted on all seven charges related to two 2022 robberies of Igor's Lounge, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson. The jury verdict was delivered on February 12, 2025, following a trial in front of U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The charges against Cooper included conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery (known as Hobbs Act robbery), and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Cooper was also charged with being a felon in possession, of a firearm, and tampering with proceedings. Court documents revealed that Cooper, alongside an unidentified accomplice, targeted Igor's Lounge twice, once in February and again in March of 2022, swiping over $1,200 and $7,000 in separate incidents respectively, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The New Orleans Police Department's investigation involved surveillance footage that depicted Cooper's Ram pickup truck parked near the bar during the February robbery. A subsequent search warrant execution at Cooper's residence uncovered clothing worn during the crimes, the cash amounts from the February robbery, and a Smith and Wesson firearm. NOPD also found blue latex gloves in Cooper's truck, akin to those worn during the March robbery, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
With her conviction, Cooper faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 14 years in prison up to a potential life term for the firearms charges. This sentence is expected to run consecutive to other sentences associated with her remaining convictions. Regarding her convictions for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Hobbs Act Robbery, and Tampering with Proceedings, Cooper faces a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, for the felon in possession of a firearm conviction, she could be looking at 10 years. Sentencing has been set for May 7, 2025, when the court will also consider fines, restitution, and impose a mandatory special assessment fee of $700.00, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
