U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GARRETT STEPHENS, age 35, of LaPlace, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for charges of distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. STEPHENS was also indicted for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and other offenses.
According to the indictment, since Aug. 30, 2017, STEPHENS conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine. In addition, STEPHENS is charged with distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.
STEPHENS is also charged with possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, namely, a Kel-Tech.380 caliber handgun. STEPHENS is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, based on a prior drug felony conviction in St. James Parish.
If convicted of the drug conspiracy, STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. If convicted of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Nicholas D. Moses are in charge of the prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
