Four individuals from New Orleans have been indicted on charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as multiple firearms offenses. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Sherwin White, Lionel Winding Jr., Lorenzo Smith, and Andre Mills were charged in a 20-count indictment on February 21, 2025.
The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Specifically, White, Winding, Smith, and Mills are accused in Count 1 of conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
White, Winding, and Smith face additional charges for distributing various amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine. White is further charged with possessing over 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Meanwhile, Winding is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.
Regarding firearms offenses, White, Winding, and Smith are charged with carrying firearms during drug trafficking crimes. Additionally, Winding faces charges for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities.
Between November 2024 and January 2025, the defendants allegedly distributed controlled substances while carrying firearms during these activities. The indictment also claims that White illegally possessed firearms on several occasions following previous convictions for heroin distribution.
If convicted on the conspiracy charge in Count 1, each defendant could face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment. Other charges carry potential penalties ranging from five years up to life imprisonment depending on the specifics of each count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt for conviction.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with Assistant United States Attorney David Berman handling prosecution duties.