Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVONTE WEST, age 21, of Hammond, after previously pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced WEST to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment
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 completed a drug transaction. LLOYD was fatally wounded in the shooting.
A search of WEST’S residence revealed approximately two ounces of heroin 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.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans 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 was in charge of the prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
