Lafayette Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TERRY REED (“REED”), age 54, a resident of Lafayette Parish, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, to serve 180 months (15 years) in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts.

On October 29, 2024, REED pled guilty to possession, with intent to distribute, fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine,  in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) (Count 1); felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Count 2); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Count 3). 

According to court documents, on or about February 3, 2024, REED intentionally possessed, with the intent to distribute, (50) grams or more of methamphetamine.  Additionally, he possessed a Ruger Model LC9, nine-millimeter pistol, despite being previously convicted of a felony, a fact that prohibits his possession of a firearm.  REED used the illegally possessed firearm to further a drug trafficking crime.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.