United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Percy Giles, III, and Concordia Parish Sheriff David Hedrick announced the arrest of 13 individuals on federal drug trafficking charges. The arrests follow an investigation into methamphetamine distribution in Concordia and Rapides Parish.
The FBI and Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office led the investigation. The indictment accuses the defendants of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Those charged include Henry M. Jefferson, Sr., Henry M. Jefferson, Jr., Michael Thompson, Tommy L. Piercefield, Tony L. Bethley, Terrell Harbor, Zamarion Rosenthal, Ramon Martin, Donteale Carter, Selena Walker, Gerald White, Bradley Welch, and Jamari Randall.
All have been arrested except for Zamarion Demon Rosenthal who remains at large. Authorities urge anyone with information on Rosenthal's whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
“Our local communities suffer greatly when the trafficking of drugs takes place there," said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. "It is our duty as law enforcement agencies to work diligently together to try and put a stop to these drugs entering our communities."
Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil stated that "thirteen is a very lucky number for the communities impacted by the individuals named in this indictment." He emphasized continued cooperation with local partners to eliminate drug-related crime.
Concordia Parish Sheriff David Hedrick affirmed commitment to removing drug dealers from the parish: “Their actions negatively impact our youth, our families and our communities."
If convicted, Henry M. Jefferson Sr., and Donteale Carter face sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment; others face 10 years to life.
An indictment is merely an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, Louisiana State Police, and Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog.