A Mexican national, Felipe Garcia, has pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony. The plea was entered on November 26, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan in New Orleans. Garcia, aged 46 and residing in California, faces sentencing on February 27, 2025. He could receive up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, at least one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
The case stems from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police into a methamphetamine distribution ring operating in New Orleans. The ring was receiving methamphetamine shipments from California through the U.S. mail system. Law enforcement officials in California intercepted packages containing large quantities of methamphetamine that were destined for New Orleans. Further investigations revealed that Garcia was responsible for mailing these packages from California.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans commended the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Ontario (California) Police Department, and the New Orleans Police Department in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot from the Narcotics Unit is handling the prosecution.