Four individuals have been indicted on drug trafficking charges according to a recent announcement from U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. The charges were made public alongside statements from New Orleans Division Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer and United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Shameka Jackson.
The indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court, lists six counts against Justin Jamal Fletcher, 37, Larikus Martez Armstead, 37, Terance Antonio Williams, 41, and Angelita Guadalupe Garcia-Ruiz, 47. All are charged with conspiracy related to fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution. Additional charges include distribution for Armstead and Williams, possession with intent to distribute for Fletcher, and unlawful use of a communication facility for Garcia-Ruiz.
Details in the indictment reveal that Fletcher was the recipient of fentanyl pills delivered via U.S. Mail. Specifically mentioned are two occasions: on July 17, 2024, Fletcher allegedly received 10,000 pills and on August 28, 2024, over 29,000 pills purportedly sent by Garcia-Ruiz. The document claims Fletcher sourced these substances from Mexico.
These charges fall under the larger umbrella of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative. The operation aims to tackle issues ranging from illegal immigration to the eradication of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. It relies on resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The investigation involved the DEA and USPIS, with collaborative input from the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force and Colbert County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Hundscheid and Sara M. Judah.
As is standard in legal proceedings, it is noted that an indictment comprises charges only, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
