Bogalusa Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearm Charges

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BENJAMIN HOLMES, age 33, of Bogalusa, was indicted on October 12, 2023, on one (1) count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), two (2) counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), one (1) count of Possession of Firearms during a Drug Trafficking Offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), one (1) count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), and one (1) count of Maintaining a Drug-involved Premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a).

According to the indictment, HOLMES had been using his residence in Bogalusa, to facilitate the sale and distribution of fentanyl as well as to store firearms and ammunition.  HOLMES is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.

If found guilty of any one of  Counts 1 through 4, HOLMES faces a maximum of twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to Count 5, he faces a minimum of five years up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other counts.  As to Count 6, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to Count 7, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. All seven counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and Bogalusa Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.