Reserve Man Indicted for Violation of Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced that DERRELL JOSEPH, 38, of Reserve, was charged last week in a four-count Indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.  Specifically, JOSEPH was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, and violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, including use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

If convicted, JOSEPH faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 Mandatory Special Assessment Fee as to the drug charge.  Additionally, if convicted of use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, JOSEPH faces an additional 5 year consecutive term.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterates that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office for investigating this crime.  Assistant United States Attorney James S. C. Baehr is in charge of the prosecution.