Couple Indicted in Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite announced that SHANNON DUPLESSIS age 44, of Chalmette, and SABRINA BOURGEOIS, age 33, of Marrero, were charged today in an eight-count Indictment alleging violations of federal drug and firearms laws.

In particular, DUPLESSIS and BOURGEOIS are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride. The grand jury also indicted DUPLESSIS with possessing multiple firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking.  Both defendants are in custody pending trial.

If convicted of the drug conspiracy, each defendant faces a sentence of ten years to life in prison, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release after release from prison.  If convicted of possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, DUPLESSIS faces a term of incarceration of no less than five years, a $250,000 fine, and a maximum of five years of supervised release.

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

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Houston Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.