United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. has announced the indictment of six individuals following an investigation into a drug trafficking organization based in Ascension Parish. The federal grand jury's decision led to the arrest of these individuals on charges related to drug and firearm offenses.
The indictment reveals that the defendants were involved in distributing various drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and heroin in Louisiana's Middle District. During the investigation, agents seized over 443 grams of substances containing fentanyl and 68.1 grams of cocaine. Additionally, several firearms were confiscated: a Springfield Armory pistol, model Saint; a Taurus revolver, model Judge; a Kimber pistol, model Stainless Ultra Carry II; and a Davis Industry Derringer pistol.
Those charged include Leroy Miles (45), Joseph Brown (37), James Miles (47), Corey Powe (55), Marishell Ealem (39), and Destiny Renee McBride (35), all from Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Their charges range from conspiracy to distribute controlled substances to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led this investigation with support from task force officers from multiple local law enforcement agencies and federal entities like Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson is prosecuting the case.
This operation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program's ongoing efforts since 1982 to combat organized drug traffickers by disrupting major drug trafficking organizations and related criminal enterprises across the nation.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation by a grand jury. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.