TERRIOUS OWNEY, age 25, a resident of New Orleans, was indicted today by a federal Grand Jury on counts involving violations of the federal controlled substances act, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten. The indictment was the fourth superseding indictment following an investigation into the distribution of heroin and illegal firearm activities in the New Orleans area. In previous indictments, other defendants have been charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and telephone counts.

According to the fourth superseding indictment, beginning at a time unknown and but prior to on or about December 2008, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and continuing through December 20, 2011, OWNEY and others did knowingly and intentionally conspire and agree to distribute or possess with the intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin. The fourth superseding indictment also charges OWNEY with using a telephone to facilitate the drug conspiracy.

The heroin conspiracy count carries a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, and five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. The telephone count carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four (4) years, a fine of up to $250,000 and one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. OWNEY is subject to a mandatory special assessment of $100.00 as to each count in which he is charged.

U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation is being conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Sharan Lieberman and Maurice Landrieu.

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