Federal Defendant Receives 19+ Year Sentence for Trafficking Methamphetamine

LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a Lake Charles man has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. for trafficking methamphetamine.

Andrew Simmons, III, 42, was sentenced to 235 months (19 years, 7 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  On August 10, 2021, troopers with the Louisiana State Police and other law enforcement agents with the Anti-Drug Task Force based in Calcasieu Parish, attempted to execute an arrest warrant on Simmons. As he exited his residence and got into his vehicle, law enforcement officers activated their emergency lights, but Simmons fled at a high rate of speed. After a short vehicle and foot pursuit, Simmons was apprehended.

Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside his vehicle and conducted a search of it. Inside the vehicle, officers located a black duffle bag which contained several clear bags containing approximately 4,121 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol. Simmons was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Criminal Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

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