Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has confirmed the sentencing of Terry Reed, a 54-year-old resident of Lafayette Parish, to 15 years in federal prison. This decision was made by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long on April 15, 2025. In addition to imprisonment, Reed will serve five years of supervised release and must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $300.
Reed entered a guilty plea on October 29, 2024. He admitted to charges that included possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, a violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). Reed was also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
Court documents reveal that on February 3, 2024, Reed had knowingly possessed with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. He also had in his possession a Ruger Model LC9 nine-millimeter pistol, despite having a prior felony conviction prohibiting such possession. This firearm was used to facilitate his drug trafficking activities.
The case against Reed is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by coordinating law enforcement efforts at all levels while engaging with community organizations. In May 2021, a violent crime reduction strategy was launched, focusing on fostering community trust, supporting prevention efforts, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in collaboration with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver from the Narcotics Unit led the prosecution.