U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DEVONTE WEST, age 21, of Hammond, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on Feb. 20, 2017, WEST and his cousin MAURICE LLOYD, JR. were victims of a shooting in front of WEST’S residence after WEST and LLOYD completed a drug transaction. Lloyd was fatally wounded in the shooting.
A search of WEST’S residence revealed approximately two ounces of heroin, some Roxicodone pills and multiple firearms. Further investigation led to the recovery of additional heroin that WEST attempted to discard prior to the arrival of law enforcement to his residence after the shooting.
For the drug possession count, WEST faces a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000. For the gun possession count, WEST faces a minimum term of five years imprisonment to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andre’ Jones is in charge of the prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
