A Lafourche Parish resident has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges related to a cocaine distribution conspiracy. James Williams, 64, of Schriever, Louisiana, entered his plea on November 18, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Brandon Long. He admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine in violation of federal law.
Williams’ sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison. In addition, he could be fined up to $5 million and will be required to serve at least four years of supervised release after imprisonment along with a $100 special assessment fee.
Court documents indicate that the conspiracy began at an undetermined time and continued until at least May 4, 2024. Williams worked with others to obtain narcotics from Houston, Texas and transport them into Thibodaux, Louisiana for distribution throughout Lafourche Parish. The group used wire and electronic communications as part of their operation.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. OCDETF targets major criminal organizations using coordinated efforts among various agencies led by prosecutors. More details about the program are available at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson commended several agencies involved in the investigation: “I want to praise the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.” Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot is handling prosecution for this case.
