New Orleans Man Indicted for Distribution of Fentanyl and Weapons Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENTRELL HUBBARD, age 24, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on November 17, 2023, in a three-count indictment for distribution of fentanyl and violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.

According to the indictment, HUBBARD is charged in Count 1 with distribution of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).  He is charged in Count 2 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  He is charged in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  According to the indictment, HUBBARD has a prior federal felony conviction for conspiracy to transport vehicles across state lines.

If convicted of Count 1, HUBBARD faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 2, he faces a minimum of five years up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of Count 3, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

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.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.