Saint Bernard Parish Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Yesterday, a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a two-count indictment charging a man for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, ROBERT C. METZLER, age 59, is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carisoprodol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.  In Count 2, METZLER is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).

If convicted of Count 1, METZLER faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, METZLER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspectors Office, and the Saint Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.