Loicano said she couldnt say whether anyone was arrested or identify the ship or the cocaine's intended recipient. We know who you are. THE FORECAST NOPD Supt. "We will ensure the longest prison sentences to keep these violent offenders off the streets for as long as possible.". U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ARTHUR JOHNSON, age 40, of New Orleans East, has been charged in a seven-count Indictment. "If we are all truly willing to work for it, then there is a better future on the horizon," he said. Deputies with the Iberville Parish Sheriffs Office found the escaped inmate they were searching for on Thursday morning, April 6. GRETNA, LA - On the morning of November 13, Agents with the Major Crimes Task Force were alerted of a portable storage container containing possible narcotics. In one instance, Antunez had a small child with him at an auto parts store on Airline Highway while dropping off the money and picking up more than half a pound of cocaine to sell, the feds say. New Orleans DA announces initiatives to map opioid overdoses and beef up prosecutions, 2 indicted on murder charges in Luling man's overdose death, New Orleans jury deadlocks on murder charge for heroin overdose; convicts dealer on other counts, Widow vows to testify at retrial of defendant in deadlocked overdose case. The victims of Friday (April 7) afternoon's shooting on I-10 in New Orleans East are speaking out against City Councilman Oliver Thomas, saying he got the facts wrong. Lock When confronted with the evidence, Willis agreed to help the DEA with other investigations. Shoppers at Algiers Plaza were stunned to find out that their busy shopping center was where a dramatic carjacking happened Wednesday (April 12) afternoon around 5:30 pm. According to police, the Devil, along with a number of other juveniles, fired more than 30 random shots on Saturday morning. City leaders say that gang is responsible for 15 murders since 2008. Friday's announcement is one of several recent efforts to crack down on suspected gang members. A forensic pathologist concluded that Pelot died of acute heroin and fentanyl toxicity, and that methadone played no role in his death, Gaudin said. Treating drug dealers as killers has critics who argue for less punitive approaches. BATON ROUGE From the outside, the home on East Lakeshore Drive appeared to be nothing more than another upscale address that fronted University Lake. David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@theadvocate.com or followed on Twitter at @newsiedave. A day earlier, he noted, members of the violent 110ers street gang were convicted of killing 5-year-old Briana Allen and bystander Shawanna Pierce during a 2012 gang shootout in Central City. (WVUE) - Federal prosecutors announced a major drug bust and the arrest of people in two parishes that were allegedly connected to a Mexican cartel Monday (July 1). But according to Gaudin, agents were unaware that Willis continued to sell drugs on the sly. NEW ORLEANS, La. Pelots wife overdosed on the drugs inside Raffrays house, but Raffray was able to revive her with Naloxone, which reverses the effect of opioid overdoses. On Monday, Lafayette police seized 23 pounds$2 million worthof meth in what's being called the largest drug bust in Lafayette Police Department history. Marco was booked with illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of illegal narcotics. Critically injured boy still has bullet lodged in jaw, Tommie Powell III must serve two six-month sentences consecutively but avoided felony conviction. He pleaded guilty to those and received an 87-month sentence earlier this month. A hit-and-run crash investigation turned into a human trafficking case after Baton Rouge officials learned the two 16-year-olds involved in the crash had taken the vehicle from a man who was allegedly trafficking them. BATON ROUGE - After a relatively slow decline in crawfish prices over the past month, the market is finally hitting peak springtime form. . Nine people were arrested Tuesday after a drug bust in Thibodaux, according to Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue. Here's a look at what the men were booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center for: Additional details were not released by police. A woman was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison after she was convicted for submitting fraudulent claims for Paycheck Protection Program benefits. A reputed gang member wanted in the kidnapping of one man and the targeted attack of another in Ascension Parish escaped authorities during a drug bust in a neighboring parish and remained at large Thursday, deputies said. The Thibodaux Police Department's Narcotics Division and . She said she attempted to bring Willis in with a sting operation, pretending to be Pelot by using his phone, but he grew suspicious and went on the run for months. By Daniel S. Levine - October 9, 2022 08:42 pm EDT. The U.S. attorney's office said thesepeoplewere charged in federal court: Michael Sorina, 36;Beth Nguyen, 37;Vincent Jones, 45;Thomas Harrison, 34; Rodney Mack, 34; Ambrose Williams, 44; Antoinette Kelly, 32; Ricky Bozeman, 36; Larry Hardy, 48; Christopher Francis, 31; Antwine Smith, 36; Tyrone Taylor, 46; Terrell Carney, 33; Anthony Shawmon Shaw; 30; Jai Xavier Chaney, 44; Paul Ray Arbuthnot, 34; Justin Williams, 32; Gross Williams, 49; Kathleen Williams, 46. "Where are the consequences for these men who use drugs and weapons as their business? Chief Serpas says all of the people involved in this operation have a lengthy rap sheet. Local officials have identified methamphetamine (meth) as the area's top local drug threat. New Orleans East Resident Indicted in Heroin-Trafficking Conspiracy U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ARTHUR JOHNSON, age 40, of New Orleans East, has been charged in a seven-count Indictment. No one was injured in the alleged kidnapping or attack, deputies have said. The two mens fates collided on Jan. 21, prosecutors said. Ross, who is from Monroe, and another man, Calvin Adams III of Convent, are wanted in a kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted murder in Darrow last month. If (Willis) is going to be in jail, let him be in jail for what he's pleaded guilty to in (federal court), what he's accepted responsibility for, not these charges that Andre Gaudin cooked up.. Ascension sheriff's deputies said Ross and Adams kidnapped one man at gunpoint and forced him to reveal the location of another man. Police started investigating back in September of 2012 after receiving a federal grant. A pathologist would later conclude that he died of a drug overdose. According to an NOPD report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force began receiving information about drug activity at the intersection of Tupelo Street and North Claiborne Avenue. A lock ( A joint federal, state and local police operation that targeted violent drug offenders in eastern New Orleans has resulted in 111 arrests. FORT WORTH - The LSU Gymnastics team is Watch the 2 Your Health report for Monday, April 17, 2023. We know who you are. So you are on warning at this point. Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl and heroin), and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee; mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at That is a false sense of confidence that you have. NOPD announced that 35-year-old Jeffrey Torres and 34-year-old Andres Canabal were arrested at a hotel in the 300 block of Loyola Avenue in Downtown New Orleans on Saturday, February 19. Chief Serpas says 15 people were using that corner to sell drugs. The case before Criminal District Court Judge Laurie White this week involved another twist: both Willis and his alleged victim were federal informants. While its not clear how authorities zeroed in on the ring, the threat of being found out was never far from the defendants minds. Ownership of the property changed hands in December 2014 and again in 2020, after the bust. They chose to be drug dealers, they chose to be gun-toters, they chose to put children at risk. The drug investigation in eastern New Orleans resulted in 111 arrests, authorities said. NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, earlier today, U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced New Orleans East resident DWIGHT ALEXANDER, age 50, to 136 months in prison, five (5) years of supervised release, and payment of $500 mandatory special assessment fees. 19 Indicted in Eastern Oklahoma on Federal Charges for Methamphetamine and Weapons Drug Enforcement Administration Eduardo A. Chvez Special Agent in Charge Dallas @DEADallasDiv November 04, 2020 Contact: Cynthia M. Velazquez Phone Number: 571-324-7481 For Immediate Release Raffray sold drugs for Willis, who supplied her own habit, she said. The NOPD says 15 people were arrested. Authorities said Donald Ray Graves, 26, and Najoua Jabarie Harris, 25, both face charges. Here's a look at what was seized by New Orleans police: Two assault rifles with fully loaded 30-round magazines One handgun with a fully loaded extended magazine (gun was reported stolen out of. Law enforcement officials in New Orleans are calling it "Operation Wild Wild East.". Chief Jimmy Travis said that Jesse James Kieff is known to frequent the areas in Ponchatoula and Hammond where various ATVs have been taken and has been identified as a suspect. 'Wild Wild East' New Orleans drug sting produces 111 arrests. There were also trips to Houston to buy drugs, and steps taken to avoid being discovered by law enforcement. The New Orleans Police Department arrested 11 people in connection with a drug and gun bust in the Seventh Ward. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) A drug bust in New Orleans leaves two men behind bars and police with roughly half a million dollars worth of narcotics. Days after Rod and Lori Slacks truck was stolen from a Basin Street lot across from an NOPS station, the couple was reunited with their vehicle. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBIs New Orleans Gang Task Force in investigating this matter. LSU Gymnastics gets fourth place in NCAA Championship; Haleigh Bryant tied two LSU Gymnastics set to compete for national title, Mayor announces minor league hockey team coming to Baton Rouge, For help accessing the WBRZ-TV Public File, contact: Joey Verrett at, Widow of Baton Rouge veteran receives new roof through outreach program. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) A drug bust in New Orleans leaves two men behind bars and police with roughly half a million dollars worth of narcotics. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. When Willis was finally caught, he was also charged with federal drug counts. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Samuel was booked with illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of illegal narcotics, possession of marijuana. Widow of Baton Rouge veteran receives new LSUPD searching for pair of alleged identity La. The five white law enforcement officers indicted in connection with the May 2019 beating death of Black motorist Ronald Greene pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the respective charges they face. 2017 graphic published by the German data portal Statista, Huge cocaine haul in Pacific lands in New Orleans federal court; ship's captain, others get prison. Law enforcement officials in New Orleans are calling it "Operation Wild Wild East. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. A Metairie woman and Houston man are recovering after being targeted by three gunmen at a downtown New Orleans red light less than two weeks ago. . NOPD estimates the street value of the drugs to be about $500,000. Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Jersey Division Daniel J. Kafafian and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger announced a . Federal agents seized millions of dollars worth of cocaine being shipped through the Port of New Orleans this week, an official said Thursday. New Orleans man faces life in prison over fatal heroin and fentanyl overdose. The suspects fired at that man once they arrived in the Astroland neighborhood in Darrow. In addition to counts in Ascension, Ross is also wanted on new counts in Assumption, including simple escape, illegal weapons possession around illegal drugs, possession of oxycodone, intent to distribute marijuana and oxycodone, and other counts, deputies said. "asked Serpas at a news conference Friday. In all, 65 of those arrested had prior felony arrests, the U.S. attorney's office said. Raffray, who was also charged with murder under the same theory of a drug-induced homicide, pleaded guilty last year to a reduced count of manslaughter. You have permission to edit this article. U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite Jr. speaks during a press conference about operation 'Wild Wild East' in New Orleans on Friday, January 30, 2015. They say the drug dealers had no regard for children in the area or people who lived nearby. According a WLOX reporter who was near the scene, shots rang out and people scrambled for safety. In New Orleans, 9 South American men charged with plot to smuggle 3,400 kilos of cocaine into U.S. Two assault rifles with fully loaded 30-round magazines, One handgun with a fully loaded extended magazine (gun was reported stolen out of St. Bernard Parish). Attorney General . Palma also possessed $24,230 of illegal drug proceeds in his vehicle.. Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizarro praised the collaborative effort among state and federal law enforcement. Willis' defense attorney, Jay Daniels, cast doubt on the idea that Willis could have continued to sell drugs without the agency knowing. The program includes proximity reporting, where law enforcement can use an app to punch in a date, time, and location of a crime and quickly find out if anyone on an ankle monitor was present. Finally, JOHNSON is charged with one count (Count 7) of possessing with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). The drug investigation in eastern New Orleans resulted in 111 arrests, authorities said. Pelot was father to a son and daughter. Many of them are believed to be part of a gang known as the 89er's or T-Blocc. Authorities arrested 12 people and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illicit substances including more than 18 pounds of heroin in what the Pointe Coupee sheriff's office and. Police searched the residence and found the firearms and narcotics. Officials say that after the shooting, the suspect fled to Vicksburg to visit his father, who turned Wardley into authorities. When Branden Pelots wife found him in a bathroom in their Luling home early on Jan. 22, 2018,he was lying unresponsive near a needle and an empty baggie. Prosecutors said that Palma and Allison had $228,880 of illegal drug proceeds concealed inside a column in the formal living room of their home on East Lakeshore Drive. Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to call the 7th District at 504-658-6070. Pelot had suggested Willis as a target for his next case, according to his FBI handler, special agent Sheila McMillan. Editor's Note: Comments from Donovan Jackson, Ascension sheriff's spokesman, were added 9:45 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023. Daniels theorized that the fatal drugs could have come from Raffray alone, or that the methadone found in Pelots system might have caused his death. 21/24 Auburn (32-13, 9-6 SEC), 1-0 in nine innings Sunday afternoon at Southeastern baseball wins game two 8-7 against McNeese. The drug investigation in eastern New Orleans resulted in 111 arrests, authorities said. Police released on Friday (April 7) morning that Jason Gavin, 51, was arrested a day prior without incident and booked for cyberstalking. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. A six-month drug investigation in eastern New Orleans resulted in 111 arrests, authorities said Friday. Residents distracted by Mardi Gras season or Sunday's Super Bowl are "blinded to the undeniable fact our city is presently under siege from urban terrorists," Cannizzaro said. You have permission to edit this article. (Photo by Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune). Eastern District of Louisiana (504) 680-3000. Ascension deputies have said Ross and Adams are known gang figures in neighboring St. James Parish. Those details, and others, are spelled out in a sprawling 22-count indictment that was recently unsealed. Six people were arrested in connection with an alleged drug trafficking ring in Louisiana, federal prosecutors said last week. There are allegations in the indictment of complaints about the quality of drugs, which customers tested, and concerns about violence when buyers owed money. The alleged leaders of the drug distribution ring, Jose Maldonado-Ramirez, 33, and his fianc, Iris Amador-Garcia, 30, of Bellflower, California, were arrested October 28, 2021. However, he decided to fight the murder count and other state charges. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. In that case, however, U.S. authorities seized the ship, the Tiamet, and the cocaine after stopping the vessel off the west coast of Costa Rica and taking it to Guatemala. Reputed gang member wanted in Ascension kidnapping, attack escapes drug bust, still missing BY DAVID J. MITCHELL | Staff writer Apr 13, 2023 A reputed gang member wanted in the kidnapping of. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. A Chalmette man has been arrested and accused of being in possession of $12,000 worth of drugs. Kinsey Schofield is a morning news anchor for WGNO in New Orleans, Louisiana. Official websites use .gov Sometimes they were placed outside to be picked up. Palma also possessed. Ascension sheriff's investigators had told Assumption deputies that Ross may be at the home in Paincourtville before the drug bust occurred, said Donovan Jackson, Ascension sheriff's spokesman. She said the seizure is part of a larger investigation being conducted by the New Orleans Homeland Security Investigations border enforcement security task force and the Customs and Border Protection anti-terrorism contraband enforcement team. For years, police say, citizens continued to call Crimestoppers and the 5th District station to complain about drug dealing at the intersection of North Tonti and Almonaster. The department also found 248 vials of. Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro after a press conference about operation 'Wild Wild East' in New Orleans on Friday, January 30, 2015. , April 17, 2023 was also charged with federal drug counts died a... Efforts to crack down on suspected gang members theadvocate.com or followed on Twitter at @ newsiedave started! 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