Tickfaw Man Charged With Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ZETRICK JONES, age 34, of Tickfaw, Louisiana, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiring to distribute heroin and methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846; one count of possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), one count of possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), and one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

If convicted of any of the narcotics offenses, JONES faces a term of imprisonment of 0-20 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, JONES faces a term of imprisonment of five years to run consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm, JONES faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Hammond Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Sandman is in charge of the prosecution.