Two Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

NEW ORLEANS – GREGORY SMITH, age 41, of Slidell, and DARREN HULBERT, SR., age 52, of New Orleans, were indicted on May 12, 2023 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  SMITH and HULBERT were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.  SMITH was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C).  HULBERT was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  SMITH and HULBERT were also each charged with possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) and with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to the indictment, SMITH and HULBERT conspired to distribute heroin in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere.  SMITH possessed with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base and HULBERT possessed with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.  On or about May 4, 2023, SMITH possessed a Masterpiece Arms Model MPA Defender, nine-millimeter semi-automatic submachine gun and HULBERT possessed a Smith and Wesson Model 6906, nine-millimeter pistol, a Springfield handgun, and a Century Arms AK Style Rifle.

If convicted of the drug conspiracy, SMITH and HULBERT each face 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. SMITH also 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 if convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin and up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release if convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.  HULBERT faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release if convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, SMITH and HULBERT each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, which must be served consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  For being felons in possession of firearms, SMITH and HULBERT face a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. SMITH and HULBERT each face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

U.S. Attorney Evans 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 and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and André Jones of the Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.