Thirteen individuals involved in a large-scale drug trafficking network operating out of Louisiana’s maximum-security prison have been sentenced to between four and 16 years in prison for their roles in distributing cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. The dealers shipped the drugs from suppliers in East Baton Rouge Parish and Colton, California, to addresses in Baton Rouge. The conspiracy took place between February 2017 and May 2019, with the involvement of correctional officers and other prison staff. Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick handed down the sentences to nine individuals from Louisiana, three from California, and one from Mississippi.
U.S. Attorney Ronald Gathe Jr. of Louisiana’s Middle District announced the convictions and sentences, which were part of an extensive investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana Department of Corrections, the Louisiana State Police, and the St. Francisville Police Department. The drug trafficking network operated within the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, where the defendants conspired to distribute illegal drugs with the assistance of prison staff. The investigation uncovered the drug distribution ring’s connections to suppliers in California, highlighting the network’s far-reaching reach and criminal activities.
The defendants pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances over the span of more than two years, emphasizing the extent and duration of their criminal enterprise. The drugs were shipped to various locations in Baton Rouge, underscoring the network’s broad market and expansive distribution network. The individuals involved in the drug trafficking ring hailed from multiple states, including Louisiana, California, and Mississippi, illustrating the cross-state nature of the criminal operation and its impact on various communities. The law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation worked together to dismantle the network and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The sentences handed down to the 13 convicted individuals ranged from four to 16 years in prison, reflecting the severity of their crimes and the lasting impact of their drug trafficking activities on affected communities. U.S. Attorney Ronald Gathe Jr. emphasized the role of the correctional officers and other prison staff involved in aiding the defendants in distributing illegal drugs, highlighting the importance of holding all individuals accountable for their participation in criminal activities. The successful prosecution and sentencing of the individuals involved in the drug trafficking network underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety.
The announcement of the convictions and sentences in the large-scale drug trafficking case highlights the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies to investigate, uncover, and prosecute criminal activities that pose a threat to public safety and well-being. The involvement of correctional officers and prison staff in facilitating the distribution of illegal drugs underscores the need for vigilance and oversight within correctional facilities to prevent and deter such criminal activities. The sentences handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick serve as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar criminal enterprises, sending a clear message that drug trafficking and related crimes will not be tolerated. The successful prosecution of the 13 individuals involved in the drug trafficking network represents a significant step in holding accountable those who seek to profit from illegal drug distribution and ensuring justice for the affected communities.
