Hammond Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RYAN BINNER, age 42, of Hammond, was charged today in a four-count Indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.  In Counts One and Two of the Indictment, BINNER was charged with distributing a quantity of methamphetamine.  In Count Three, BINNER was charged with possessing with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.  In Count Four, BINNER was charged with possessing a short-barreled shotgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Counts One and Two of the Indictment each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a minimum of three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  Count Three carries a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a minimum of four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  Court Four carries a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a maximum of five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

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

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Hammond Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.