U.S. Department
of Justice
Related Content
Press Release
Press Release
New Orleans Men Indicted in Heroin and Firearms Conspiracy
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that KEITH FOSTER, age 37; KERMERIC JOHNSON, age 33; and THOMAS MAROLD, age 52; all of New Orleans, were charged yesterday in a six-count Indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the Indictment, from June to October 2015, FOSTER, JOHNSON and MAROLD conspired to distribute heroin. FOSTER was also charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamines. If convicted of the either of the charges, FOSTER, JOHNSON and MAROLD face a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
FOSTER and JOHNSON were also charged with conspiracy to possess and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. JOHNSON, who had previously been convicted of a felony, was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. On October 29, 2015, FOSTER and JOHNSON possessed a .22 caliber rifle and a 9mm caliber semi-automatic handgun. If convicted of these gun charges, each defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of at least five years, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the ATF New Orleans Division Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige is in charge of the prosecution.
Updated November 4, 2016
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses
Component