Press Release
Two Charged with Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DUSTIN DINET, age 31, of New Orleans, and STEVEN DINET, age 44, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, who are brothers, were charged today in a seven-count Indictment with conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack and 100 grams or more of heroin, distribution of crack, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the indictment, the DINET brothers conspired to distribute crack and heroin and sold crack on three different occasions. The indictment also charges DUSTIN DINET with possessing a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing a gun after being convicted of a felony. Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum five years up to forty years on the drug conspiracy. The possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years up to life and being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a sentence of up to ten years.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.
Updated July 20, 2018
Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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