Defendant Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTIAN BICKHAM, age 59, of Slidell, pleaded guilty on August 31, 2023 before the Honorable Sarah S. Vance to charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court records, through the investigation, BICKHAM was captured discussing the purchase of two kilograms of cocaine.  Federal agents observed BICKHAM arrive at a house in New Orleans to pick up the drugs.  A few days later, agents stopped BICKHAM with $60,000 in cash, which he was going to use to pay for the two kilograms he had gotten earlier. 

Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2023.  BICKHAM faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years up to forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.