Houma Man Guilty of Distributing Fentanyl Distribution

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that DESMOND JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 44, of Houma, LA, pled guilty before United States District Judge Jay Zainey to possession with intent to distribute forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

Judge Zainey scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2025. At sentencing, JOHNSON faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, JOHNSON was suspected of dealing both heroin and fentanyl from an apartment in Houma. The execution of a search warrant on that apartment revealed large amounts of fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia, indicative of drug trafficking. In a post-Miranda interview with law enforcement, JOHNSON admitted to possessing fentanyl, with the intent to distribute same.

Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.