New Orleanian, Lionel Thomas, Indicted For Violations Of The Federal Controlled Substances Act

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LIONEL THOMAS, age 30, a resident of New Orleans, was charged today in a one count indictment for violations of the federal controlled substances act.

According to the indictment, THOMAS possessed with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Scheduled I drug controlled substance. 

If convicted, THOMAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years to life, a fine of $10,000,000 and 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 (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in investigating this matter.   Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is in charge of this prosecution.