Tangipahoa Parish Man Charged with Violating Federal Controlled Substance and Federal Gun Control Acts

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL LACAVA, age 42, a resident of Tangipahoa Parish, was indicted on March 22, 2024, for possessing with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and  possessing firearms as a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

If convicted of the drug count, LACAVA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment 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 the gun count, he faces a up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. As to each count, he also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on March 12, 2024, Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a search pursuant to a federal search warrant on LACAVA’s residence. While there, they found approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms.   

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.

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.