Houma Man Pleads Guilty to Crack and Gun Charges

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LIONEL THOMAS, age 34, of Houma, pled guilty today to crack cocaine and firearms charges.

According to court documents, THOMAS possessed with the intent to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine. The government billed THOMAS as a multiple offender with a prior felony drug conviction. As  a result, for that drug charge, THOMAS faces a term of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life, a fine of up to $8,000,000, and at least eight years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, 

THOMAS also pled guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. THOMAS possessed a Seekins Precision Model SBA-15, .223 caliber semi-automatic assault rifle, and a Taurus Model PT145 Pro, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. For the firearms charge, THOMAS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

Judge Carl Barbier set sentencing for November 1, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.