Orleans Parish Woman Pleads Guilty to Violations of Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIELLE REED, age 42, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023 to a two-count superseding bill of information charging her with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, a DEA investigation revealed that REED was a drug dealer who primarily sold crystal methamphetamine. DEA agents used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from REED.  On April 19, 2022, DEA agents seized a quantity of methamphetamine and two firearms from REED.

For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, REED faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following  imprisonment.  For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, REED faces a statutory minimum sentence of five years of imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For both counts, REED faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.