Tangipahoa Parish Man Charged with Violating Federal Controlled Substance Act

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL PENN, age 23, a resident of Tangipahoa Parish, was indicted on May 3, 2024, for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.  PENN is charged with three counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

If convicted of Count 1, PENN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release. If convicted of Counts 2 and 3, PENN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.  PENN also faces a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count.

On February 2, April 4, and April 18, 2024, PENN distributed large quantities of fentanyl pills in the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

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 prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.