Two men involved in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison, according to Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. Gilbert Joseph, 36, from Crowley, Louisiana, received a sentence of 160 months (13 years and 4 months), while Ronaldo Coleman, 38, from Cypress, Texas, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years). Both will serve five years of supervised release following their prison terms.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office that began in January 2024 after receiving information about two suspicious packages sent via UPS to an address in Crowley. Law enforcement officers observed one package being delivered and subsequently stopped Joseph's vehicle after he collected it. A search revealed the package contained approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside metal tin cans.
Authorities also intercepted a second package intended for the same address but diverted by the recipient. A narcotics canine detected controlled substances within this package, which contained around five kilograms of methamphetamine.
Text message exchanges between Joseph and Coleman indicated they coordinated the delivery of these packages. Coleman's messages confirmed his role as the intended recipient who attempted to reroute the second package.
Both men were indicted and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Joseph additionally pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.
