Jerad M. Barrett, a 41-year-old resident of New Orleans, has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison following his guilty plea to several drug-related charges. These charges include conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fifty kilograms or more of marijuana, as well as maintaining a drug-involved premises. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Barrett received a sentence of 135 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.
Court documents reveal that Barrett operated from his residence with the help of his mother to cultivate and distribute large quantities of marijuana. Investigators found communications between Barrett and his mother discussing the distribution, packaging, and relocation of narcotics within the Eastern District of Louisiana. Approximately 940 kilograms of marijuana were discovered stored in plastic bins and barrels at Barrett's residence and in various storage units linked to him.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman from the Narcotics Unit is handling the prosecution.