Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Drug and Gun Offenses

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that REYNAUD KENDRELL VARISTE, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it, using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

If convicted, VARISTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years for the drug trafficking offense, a maximum term of imprisonment of life for using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.            

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by the Strike Force/Violent Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.