Lonnie Yancy III, a 27-year-old resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The plea was entered on July 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Barry Ashe. This announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Yancy admitted to conspiracy charges related to the distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically citing violations under Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); § 841(b)(1)(A); § 841(b)(1)(B); and 846.
The potential penalties for Yancy include a minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum of forty years in prison. He also faces fines that could reach $5 million and will be subject to at least four years of supervised release following imprisonment. Additionally, he is required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The indictment reveals that Yancy, along with seven other individuals, engaged in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Tangipahoa Parish within the Eastern District of Louisiana. This illegal activity occurred through wire and electronic communications from an unknown start date until at least September 10, 2024.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. The OCDETF program aims to identify and dismantle high-level criminal organizations posing threats within the United States through coordinated efforts led by prosecutors and intelligence agencies.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson acknowledged the contributions of several law enforcement agencies in this case: the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver from the Narcotics Unit is overseeing the prosecution.
