Federal Jury Convicts Leaders Of Violent Drug Trafficking Organization

BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Walt Green announced today the convictions of the leader of a violent drug trafficking organization and two of his lieutenants following a multi-week jury trial.

The leader, JEFFERY D. PERRY, age 31, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was convicted of conspiracy; seven other drug trafficking charges involving crack and powder cocaine; carjacking; and five charges involving the possession and use of firearms while being a felon and in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking. PERRY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 45 years.

JERMAINE J. CHAPMAN, age 32, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was convicted of conspiracy; six other drug trafficking charges involving crack and powder cocaine; and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. CHAPMAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years.

CHARLES BOYER, age 50, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was convicted of conspiring to distribute crack and powder cocaine. BOYER faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

A sentencing date for these defendants has not yet been set. The jury acquitted a fourth defendant on the only count in which he was charged. In addition to the four defendants who went to trial, four other defendants previously pled guilty to their involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy.

U.S. Attorney Walt Green stated: “Baton Rouge is truly a safer place without these defendants on the streets. The level of violence and depravity engaged in by this group made this prosecution essential. I am very proud of the prosecutors and agents who worked so hard to ensure that justice was done. This is another great example of how federal, state, and local collaboration can make our communities safer.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Baton Rouge City Police, and the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert W. Piedrahita, who serves as Litigation Counsel, and J. Christopher Dippel, Jr.