Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 18, 1998, By LEONARD GRAY / LObservateur / November 18, 1998. "Ardoin said the direction came from supervisors in the narcotics administration. In plain sight, officers saw Marijuana floating in the toilet. Fax Line: 225-389-0561 Once inside 1336 N. 36th street, officers wrote in their report, "There was a strong odor of burning marijuana in the residence with a visible smoke cloud." McKneely. U.S. Attorney Green stated: As our nation continues to examine ways to tackle the many challenges associated with illegal drugs, we will and must remember this hard reality: Drug traffickers often use brutal violence in our communities to enforce their market share and to ensure their collection efforts. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. MACHADO-GALEANA used a nominee to purchase cashiers checks and forward those to his marijuana supplier in California. Port Allen Pelicans basketball team soaring toward fourth-straight state title, Sample duo leading Scotlandville into playoffs, For help accessing the WBRZ-TV Public File, contact: Joey Verrett at, One person hurt in shooting along Burbank Drive. "Attorneys representing Ardoin said the far-reaching implications of what Ardoin is saying have been reported to the FBI. There was a problem saving your notification. A sentencing hearing for the 61-year-old El Chapo, who is expected to spend the rest of his life in a U.S. maximum-security prison, is set for June. He don't smoke baby. A Hollywood version depicting Escobars smuggling operation popped up again in the 2017 movie American Made, with Tom Cruise portraying drug-running former commercial pilot Barry Seal of Louisiana, who used a remote airstrip in Mena, Arkansas, to import narcotics into the United States. PONCHATOULA- It's one of the most egregious cases victims' advocates tell the WBRZ Investigative Unit they have ever seen, after a judge awarded full custody to How do I know if I have a cold, the flu or COVID-19? This operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorneys Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baton Rouge Police Department, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office, and the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office. Since 1993, he's been arrested at least seven times for drug, illegal weapon charges and more. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney Generals drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises. While Guzman has been at the center of news coverage lately, stories about violent drug trafficking in general have unfolded for some time, focusing not only on El Chapo but on others such as Colombias Pablo Escobar. The Court also sentenced MACHADO-GALEANA to 5 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm be forfeited. Wellness Day for Women: Pennington Biomedical Research Wellness Day for Women: Pennington Biomedical Research Center offering health screenings and more this weekend. McKneely. During sentencing, the Court noted Perry's cold-blooded and callous statements about one of the arsonists, as he lay dying in his backyard, seeking medical assistance for the injuries he sustained from the fire Perryhad hired him to set. Among the alleged hitmen was Dexter Collins, who was arrested last week for that hit plus a separate killing of a possible murder witness in Sept. 2017. On June 16, 2015, Judge Dick sentenced Jermaine Chapman who, along with Perry, had also been convicted of drug trafficking and firearm related violations at trial, to a forty-five year term of imprisonment. I voiced my opinions several times, and I didn't agree with that. The actor wanted to study El Chapo's mannerisms. After Allen met Perry and handed the cash he had taken during the armed robbery over to Perry, the latter rewarded Allen, whom he then knew to be a convicted felon, with an ounce of "crack"cocaine and a Taurus .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol to protect himself against any reprisals the victim or his friends might take as a result of the robbery Allen had committed. Escobar was killed in 1993. "It was so large that it wouldn't flush," said Cpl. ", LSU releases statement after Olivia Dunne's viral TikTok promoting AI essay writer, Seafood restaurant on Scotland Avenue consumed by flames early Wednesday, Multiple massage parlors closed after being raided by sheriff's office for prostitution, Newly released pictures show missing man in downtown BR before his disappearance, St. John's big inning hands Southeastern second straight loss, Coach Kim Mulkey talks LSU's record-tying season. In fact, nine people in total were arrested that night from the home, seven for resisting an officer or obstruction of justice. Plus, police said they saw Ronrico Terrell, 38, "going into the attic with a firearm in his hand. "At least three to four nights a week they would have us riding through the neighborhoods," Ardoin said. Civil Fax: 225-389-0685. Questioned that it sounded like a quota, Ardoin said that is how it was organized. Have a question about Government Services? This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Piedrahita, who serves as Litigation Counsel within the United States Attorney's Office, and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Dippel, who serves as a Deputy Criminal Chief. The drone of flies. The investigation is another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. As another example, evidence at trial showed that Perry solicited the assistance of Mark Allen to rob another individual who had been supplying him with kilogram amounts of cocaine. As the evidence at trial demonstrated, MACHADO-GALEANA obtained pounds of methamphetamine as well as a quantity of heroin from a source operating in Lafayette, Louisiana, as well as pounds of marijuana from a source in northern California. Harris' organization is believed to be tied to multiple killings in Baton Rouge, all committed "at Harris' discretion and/or paid for by Harris.". Richards was indicted July 31, along with several other people, by a St. John grand jury for racketeering and money laundering. "The supervisors in the office were the ones that allowed him to do those things, and I believe they were aware of the things going on," Ardoin said. His cooperation led to the arrest of his colleague, Jason Acree, another BRPD narcotics officer charged with malfeasance for stealing drugs. In the courtroom, El Chapo "made eye contact with the actor, gave . The superseding indictment sets forth over 50 pages of allegations, charging defendants with allegedly participating in multi-state conspiracies involving the trafficking of high-potency heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as money laundering, the use of the mail in aid of racketeering, and the possession and use of firearms, including an AR/15 assault weapon, in furtherance of drug trafficking. "Jumping out on random people and things like that. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The tip for the arrest came as a result of a Wanted bulletin printed Nov. Lt. Michael Tregre commented, I met with The Advocate on Thursday, itwas in the paper Friday morning and by Friday evening we had him in custody.Tregre added, Thats what you call quick service, and commented the information received was very productive, and provided the last missing piece of the puzzle.Richards, 27, who had lived at 119/125 Northwest 12th St., Reserve, wasconsidered the kingpin of a criminal narcotics organization which was raided July 9. Bell, 25; Michael C. Finley, 43; and Eric ONeal Selders, 42. "It's just proper procedure and protocol," said Cpl. "You can look at it as a quota," Ardoin said. Cops and investigators surround Barry Seal's body in 1986. Against this backdrop, a federal court jury in Brooklyn found El Chapo guilty in February of 10 felony counts, including conspiracy to commit murder and international distribution of illegal drugs. The 1st Circuit found "that the challenged actions of Universal and the Seal defendants were in the exercise of free speech.". I appreciate the tremendous dedication and hard work by the agents and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on this important matter., DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael R. Sader said, Illegal dangerous drugs, including methamphetamine, destroy lives and have far-reaching negative effects in communities where they take hold. Terrell also known as Ronrico Howard, Co, Shorty and Rico was indicted on charges of conspiracy, cocaine distribution and possession, unlawful use of a communications facility and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. They will instead find a united law enforcement community fully prepared to aggressively investigate and prosecute their wrongdoing. I look forward to providing our community with a full report once these investigations are concluded.". That's when he said he was approached by a woman who sold him two cameras and a television. On August 31, 2011, following trial, a jury convicted Donald Frank of conspiracy to distribute cocaine for conduct arising from his drug trafficking endeavors, on behalf of Perry. Main Office: Golphin is in custody, but Sanders is a fugitive. BATON ROUGE, LAUnited States Attorney David R. Dugas announced that a federal jury in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 20, 2009, convicted TOMMY WALTERS, age 32, of Baton Rouge,. BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against 10 defendants in Operation Armageddon, an extensive investigation aimed at a drug trafficking network based in Baton Rouge, with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Female Charged in Financial Crimes Against the Elderly, AG Jeff Landry Warns Consumers of Cryptocurrency Scams, As SNAP Extra Benefits End, Recipients Encouraged to Update Info, Assess Options, River Parishes High School Boys Basketball season comes to an end, Library hosts local author Debbie Craighead. Tom Cruise portrays Baton Rougedrug smuggler-turned-government informant Adler Barry Seal in the movie "American Made.". So officers had to take it apart and that's what has homeowners here claiming police used excessive force. Tregre drove to Baton Rouge on Nov. 12 to place the notice in thenewspaper, which included Richards photograph and asked for the public to call if Richards was seen. "Ran through numerous stop signs and lights, committed numerous traffic violations and from there, he decided to bail from that rolling vehicle," said Cpl. ", When the responding officers, whose names have been concealed, tried arresting Terrell, he "attempted to tackle the detective bear hugging him.