Reserve Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DERRELL JOSEPH, age 38, of Reserve, pled guilty today to charges relating to narcotics trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.

According to court documents, JOSEPH possessed with the intent to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin. For that charge, JOSEPH faces a term of imprisonment of at least five and up to forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, 

JOSEPH also pled guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. JOSEPH possessed a Glock Model 19, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. For the firearms charge, JOSEPH faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing for July 26, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and Jeffrey K. Sandman are in charge of the prosecution.