Richard Lance Cline Jr., a 34-year-old resident of Walker, Louisiana, has been convicted by a federal jury for drug distribution offenses. Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced the conviction following a two-day trial presided over by U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles.
Cline was found guilty of distributing methamphetamine and possessing it with the intent to distribute. The trial evidence revealed that on February 25 and March 3, 2021, Cline sold 50 grams or more of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer. He was arrested on March 9, 2021, while in possession of another 50 grams or more of methamphetamine during an attempted third sale to an undercover officer.
As a result of his conviction, Cline faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment along with potential fines, restitution, and supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert W. Piedrahita and Ellison C. Travis prosecuted the case.