Slidell Man Charged for Conspiring to Sell Fentanyl and Heroin, and for Firearms Charges

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENNETH MARTIN, age 43, of Slidell, was charged yesterday in an eleven-count Indictment for conspiring to distribute and to possesses with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, and for possession of three firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking. 

According to the Indictment, from at least May 23, 2016, through August 2, 2017, MARTIN conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin.  MARTIN is also charged seven counts of distribution of heroin or fentanyl, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Additionally, MARTIN is charged with being a felon in possession of three firearms – a revolver, a semi-automatic pistol, and a shotgun – and with possessing those firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. 

If convicted of the drug charges, MARTIN will face a minimum of five years and a maximum of forty years imprisonment. If convicted of possessing of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, MARTIN faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment, all of which must be consecutive to his sentence for other counts.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated 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 Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.