TWO NEW ORLEANS MEN INDICTED FOR DRUG VIOLATIONS
WAYNE STEVEN TYLER, JR., age 42, and DANIEL JOSEPH ZIEGLER, age 22, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged today in an eleven-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for drug trafficking violations involving methamphetamine, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the indictment, TYLER and ZIEGLER were part of a conspiracy that involved the distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere. In addition to the conspiracy charge, TYLER and ZIEGLER are also charged with distributing methamphetamine twice in September 2010 and again in December 2010. The two are also charged with attempting to distribute methamphetamine in October 2010, as well as with four (4) counts of using a telephone to facilitate the drug trafficking. TYLER is additionally charged by himself with a distribution of methamphetamine in February of this year, and both are charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on February 17, 2011.
If convicted, TYLER and ZIEGLER each face a minimum of ten (10) years and maximum of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and at least five (5) years of supervised release on each count involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. For the distribution count involving five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine, they each face at least five (5) years imprisonment, a $5 million fine, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. On the other distribution counts, they each face a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $1 million fine, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. Each of the phone counts carries a penalty of up to four (4) years, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to one (1) year of supervised release.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin G. Boitmann.
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