Press Releases
FOUR MEN INDICTED ON FEDERAL DRUG AND GUN CHARGES
December 6, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SHELDON DEAN, age 29, SHELDON THOMPSON, age 50, RANDY DEAN, age 27, and XAVIER O’CONNOR, age 23, all residents of New Orleans, LA, were charged in a seventeen-count superceding indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for federal gun and drug trafficking offenses, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
SHELDON THOMPSON, his two sons, RANDY DEAN and SHELDON DEAN, and XAVIER O’CONNOR, were added to the indictment returned on September 27, 2007 against KEVIN COCKERHAM, COREY MUSE, ALECIA WHITELEY, and THERESA WEAVER for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and 1 kilogram or more of heroin. According to court documents, the conspiracy began at a time unknown but prior to October 1, 2004.
The superceding indictment returned on Thursday added sixteen counts against THOMPSON, the DEANS, and O’CONNOR for possession with intent to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin. The indictment also charges multiple gun violations, including counts against SHELDON DEAN and SHELDON THOMPSON for being felons in possession of a firearm. The indictment also charges SHELDON DEAN, SHELDON THOMPSON, and XAVIER O’CONNOR with multiple counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
If convicted of the conspiracy, all the defendants face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years to life, a fine of $4 million and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
A single conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense carries a mandatory five (5) year term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other term of imprisonment. Two or more convictions for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense carries a twenty-five (25) year term of imprisonment to be served consecutively with any other term of imprisonment.
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 case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield.
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