Jerry D. Smith, 52, was sentenced on April 16 to 63 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
Smith was stopped by Louisiana State Police on August 28, 2022, for a traffic infraction. During the stop, officers discovered that Smith was driving a stolen vehicle and found kilogram quantities of cocaine hidden inside it. Smith admitted he had traveled from Texas to the Eastern District of Louisiana with plans to sell the drugs.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the Kenner Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana enhances community safety through law enforcement efforts according to its official website. The office operates under the U.S. Department of Justice and enforces federal laws while prosecuting criminal cases according to its official website.
The office covers Southeast Louisiana and holds responsibility as chief federal law enforcement officer for this district according to its official website. The U.S. Attorney is appointed by the President with Senate approval and is tasked with protecting residents through prosecution of criminal cases, defending civil matters, and handling debt collection for the federal government according to its official website.
