Nine individuals have been sentenced to a total of over 79 years in federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, according to Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. This case, part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, targeted a drug trafficking organization in the Avoyelles Parish area.
United States District Judge Dee D. Drell delivered the sentences as follows:
- Darrell Joseph Sampson, Jr., 39, from Marksville, Louisiana, received 113 months for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Christopher Glynn Bradford, 46, from Marksville, was sentenced to 50 months for similar charges.
- Travis Demond Carroll, 34, from Baton Rouge, received a sentence of 180 months.
- Kelly Johnson, Jr., 32, from Lake Charles, was sentenced to 90 months.
- Troy Wayne Dominick, 42, from Mansura, was given an 80-month sentence.
- Arthor Francisco, 37, from Moreauville, received a sentence of 160 months.
- Desmond Dewayne Jordan, 46, from Alexandria, was sentenced to the longest term of 225 months.
- Joseph Patrick Murray III, 27, from Cottonport received a sentence of 37 months.
- Tremayne Lee Lavalais, 34, from Bunkie received a sentence of 20 months.
Following their release from prison each defendant will be subject to supervised release.
The FBI Central Louisiana Gang Task Force initiated the investigation into methamphetamine distribution in the Avoyelles Parish area. Surveillance operations observed the defendants engaging in drug transactions. Wiretaps authorized on phones used by the defendants revealed communications discussing narcotics trafficking between January and September of 2023. The drugs were sourced from Houston and distributed throughout central and south Louisiana.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation while Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Nickel and LaDonte A. Murphy prosecuted the case.
The OCDETF focuses on identifying and dismantling high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations threatening the United States through collaboration among federal state and local law enforcement agencies.