Six Defendants Indicted on Drug and Gun Charges

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the return of an 11-count Indictment charging six defendants with drug and gun charges ranging from heroin conspiracy to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Indicted were CHRIS WELLS, 33, and ASHLI MARTIN, 33, both residents of Chalmette; along with JUSTIN CRAFT, 28; ELTON WELLS, 39; LLOYD BOLEWARE, 34; and ANGELMICA AUGUSTINE, 27, all of New Orleans.

According to the Indictment, beginning on a date unknown and continuing to on or about April 18, 2017, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLEWARE did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree with other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with the intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin.

Additionally, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLWARE are each charged with distribution of a quantity of heroin and BOLWARE is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

CHRIS WELLS, MARTIN, CRAFT and AUGUSTINE are also charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

For the drug counts, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLEWARE face a minimum of five years imprisonment and up to a maximum term of forty years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000,000. For the gun counts, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, BOLEWARE, MARTIN and AUGUSTINE face a minimum term of five years imprisonment to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andre’ Jones is in charge of the prosecution.