U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
St. Tammany Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun Offenses
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICARDO JORDAN, age 21, of St. Tammany Parish, was indicted on March 14, 2024, for distribution of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B); possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code 924(c)(1)(A).
According to the indictment, on August 3, 2023, August 10, 2023, and September 19, 2023, JORDAN allegedly distributed more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Additionally, on September 28, 2023 JORDAN allegedly possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl, with the intent to distribute, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.
If convicted of the drug counts, JORDAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the firearm count, JORDAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to each count, JORDAN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory 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 is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
Contact
Shane M. Jones
Public Information Officer
United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
United States Department of Justice
Updated March 25, 2024
Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Component