Several individuals from Louisiana have received significant federal prison sentences in connection with drug trafficking activities. Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the sentencing of James Cordell Zeno, Blaze Duhon, Jamarcus Jamall Epps, and James Spikes, all sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. Desmond Antoine Jackson has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
James Cordell Zeno was sentenced to 282 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The case against him began when a suspicious package destined for Blaze Duhon's residence was intercepted by the United States Postal Inspector in July 2022. The package contained suspected methamphetamine, which was confirmed after testing. Further investigation revealed text messages between Zeno and Duhon discussing the packages.
Blaze Duhon received a 120-month sentence for his role in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. A second suspicious package containing methamphetamine was also intercepted at his residence shortly after the first.
Jamarcus Jamall Epps was sentenced to 77 months for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In December 2021, he sold a Taurus PT738 .380 caliber pistol during a controlled purchase recorded by law enforcement. Epps had a prior conviction that prohibited him from possessing firearms.
Desmond Antoine Jackson was involved in drug trafficking activities as well. He participated in a controlled purchase of methamphetamine recorded by law enforcement agents. The substance purchased tested positive as pure methamphetamine weighing at least 50 grams.
James Spikes received a 120-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine following an August 2022 controlled purchase recorded by investigators. The substance bought from Spikes was confirmed as approximately 62 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The investigations were conducted by multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, ATF, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted these cases.
OCDETF aims to dismantle high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
