Ringo Mitchell Jr., a 36-year-old resident of Natalbany, Louisiana, has entered a guilty plea to charges related to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The plea was made on February 27, 2025, before United States District Judge Barry Ashe. This announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Mitchell Jr. admitted guilt to three counts from an indictment against him. Count 1 involved conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1); 841(b)(1)(A); 841(b)(1)(B); and 846. Count 9 pertained to the illegal use of communications facilities under Title 21, U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18, U.S.C. §2. Count 10 charged him with possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, violating Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
For Count 1 and Count 10, Mitchell Jr. faces potential penalties including a minimum of five years up to forty years imprisonment, fines up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release after imprisonment for each count. For Count 9, he could face up to four years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and one year of supervised release following imprisonment. Additionally, there is a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.
The indictment revealed that Mitchell Jr., along with seven others, conspired from an unspecified time until at least September 10, 2024, to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine across Tangipahoa Parish in the Eastern District of Louisiana using wire and electronic communications.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of various law enforcement agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Hammond Police Department (HPD), Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO), and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO). Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver from the Narcotics Unit is handling the prosecution.
