United States Attorney Duane A. Evans has announced the indictment of Darnell Doucet, a 26-year-old resident of New Orleans, on federal drug and weapons charges. The indictment, filed on December 5, 2024, includes four counts related to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.
Doucet faces several charges: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute tapentadol; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, tapentadol, and marijuana; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and being a felon in possession of a firearm. These charges are outlined under various sections of Title 21 and Title 18 of the United States Code.
Court documents indicate that on September 24, 2024, Doucet was found in possession of cocaine, tapentadol, marijuana, and four firearms intended for use in drug trafficking activities. The firearms included a Zastava Model ZPAP92 semi-automatic pistol, a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15 semi-automatic pistol, a Glock Model 27 semi-automatic pistol, and a Glock Model 48 semi-automatic pistol.
For the drug trafficking charges (Counts 1 and 2), Doucet could face up to 20 years in prison per count, fines up to $1 million each, and at least three years of supervised release. The charge related to possessing a firearm during drug trafficking (Count 3) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment. This sentence would run consecutively with other sentences if convicted. Additionally, he could face fines up to $250,000 and five years of supervised release for this count. For being a felon in possession of a firearm (Count 4), Doucet could receive up to 15 years in prison along with similar fines and supervised release terms as Count 3. Each count also involves a mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and requires proof beyond reasonable doubt for conviction.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. PSN focuses on building trust within communities while supporting organizations that prevent violence.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is leading the prosecution efforts.