John Paul Gage Jr., 43, from Des Allemands, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on January 27, 2026, to charges related to a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and an unspecified quantity of methamphetamine. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long in New Orleans, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Gage Jr. also admitted guilt to two counts involving illegal use of communications facilities as part of the operation. Sentencing is set for April 28, 2026.
If convicted on all counts, Gage Jr. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment for the conspiracy charge. He could also be fined up to $10 million and would serve at least five years under supervised release. Each communication-related charge carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison, fines up to $1 million each, and at least three years supervised release following any imprisonment term. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 applies per count.
Court documents state that between an unknown start date through June 5, 2024, Gage Jr. worked with several individuals in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes distributing cocaine and methamphetamine sourced from Houston, Texas. The drugs were transported into Thibodaux using various vehicles and coordinated through wire and electronic communications.
The indictment notes that Gage Jr. used his cell phone frequently in furtherance of this conspiracy and supplied narcotics directly to multiple customers in Thibodaux. He collaborated with Linez Green for methamphetamine distribution; Green has previously pled guilty in connection with this case as has Yolanda Tillman, who helped facilitate drug transportation by paying others.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation designed to identify and dismantle major criminal organizations threatening the United States using coordinated law enforcement efforts led by prosecutors and intelligence agencies (http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF).
Law enforcement agencies involved include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, Thibodaux Police Department, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot from the Narcotics Unit is handling the case.
