St. Charles Parish Man Indicted for Violating Federal Controlled Substances Act

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AMARYD DOWNING, age 37, a resident of Hahnville, Louisiana, was charged on November 2, 2023, in a three-count indictment, with distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

According to court documents, on May 8, 2023, May 11, 2023, and May 22, 2023, DOWNING distributed a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.  If convicted, DOWNING faces, as to each count, a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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 and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.