A Lake Charles resident, Jeremy Wade Denegall, 45, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on drug trafficking charges. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and carried out by United States District Judge David C. Joseph. Following his prison term, Denegall will also serve five years of supervised release.
The charges stem from a traffic stop on February 22, 2022, on Interstate 10. Law enforcement officers stopped Denegall's vehicle for a traffic violation. As the sole occupant and driver, Denegall's vehicle was searched after officers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from inside.
During the search, authorities discovered a plastic baggie containing a substance consistent with crack cocaine and another bag containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Additionally, two firearms were found along with a magazine holding 19 rounds of ammunition and two digital scales.
Denegall pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.