Duane A. Evans, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana
Four men from New Orleans have been indicted on charges related to drug distribution and firearms offenses. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the indictment of Sherwin White, Lionel Winding Jr., Lorenzo Smith, and Andre Mills on February 21, 2025. The indictment includes 20 counts for violations of federal controlled substances and gun control laws.
The four individuals are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to the indictment, these activities took place between November 2024 and January 2025.
White, Winding, and Smith face additional charges for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in various amounts. White is also charged with possession with intent to distribute a large quantity of fentanyl. Winding faces an additional charge related to cocaine and marijuana possession.
Firearms-related charges are also included in the indictment. White, Winding, and Smith are accused of carrying firearms during drug trafficking crimes. Additionally, White is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on multiple occasions.
If convicted on the conspiracy charge, all four defendants could face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment, along with substantial fines and supervised release terms. Other charges carry varying penalties depending on the specific offense.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that "the indictment is merely a charge" and that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation, while Assistant United States Attorney David Berman will handle prosecution duties.
