U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced the indictment of six individuals following an investigation into a drug trafficking organization based in Ascension Parish. The federal grand jury's indictment includes charges related to drug and firearm offenses.
The defendants are accused of distributing various drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and heroin within Louisiana's Middle District. During the investigation, agents seized over 443 grams of substances containing fentanyl and 68.1 grams of cocaine. Additionally, several firearms were confiscated: a Springfield Armory pistol (model Saint), a Taurus revolver (model Judge), a Kimber pistol (model Stainless Ultra Carry II), and a Davis Industry Derringer (model DM-22).
Those charged include Leroy Miles (45), Joseph Brown (37), James Miles (47), Corey Powe (55), Marishell Ealem (39), and Destiny Renee McBride (35). All are from Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Charges range from conspiracy to distribute controlled substances to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with support from local law enforcement agencies such as the Baton Rouge Police Department and Iberville Sheriff’s Office. Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service also provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson is prosecuting the case.
This initiative is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program established in 1982 to combat organized drug traffickers by disrupting major drug trafficking organizations nationwide.
It should be noted that an indictment is merely an accusation by a grand jury; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
