Investigation Results In 7 Indicted In North Louisiana Cocaine Conspiracy

SHREVEPORT, La. –A two-year-long undercover investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than $517,000 in cash and seven people being charged for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, firearm violations, and other related drug charges in parishes across north Louisiana, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today.

A grand jury delivered a 24-count indictment Wednesday against Quincy D. Hoover, 39, and Quwanda L. Forest, 35, both of Natchez, La.; Jesse C. Thomas, 30 of Haynesville, La.; Rodney J. Raymond, 35, of Natchitoches, La.; Shannon D. Jenkins, 34, and Carlos C. Jenkins, 36 both of Ruston, La, and another individual who is at large.

From June 2012 to July 2014, the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine throughout Lincoln, Claiborne, Natchitoches, Sabine, DeSoto, Bossier and Caddo parishes with the source cities for the cocaine being Houston and Dallas. Controlled purchases by law enforcement of cocaine powder and crack cocaine were made from several dealers during the investigation. Federal and local law enforcement officials arrested five of the defendants on July 1, 2014 in the northwest Louisiana area, in which more than a half a million dollars in cash, firearms, 16 pounds of marijuana and other items were seized.

The defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation code named “Pit Stop.”  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisiana State Police, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Police Department,   Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, all participated in this OCDETF operation.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Cytheria Jernigan are prosecuting the case.

"The U.S. Attorney=s Office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to keeping our communities safe,” Finley stated. “Breaking up this drug distribution ring is a huge step in countering the flow of these illegal substances into the community. I want to thank all the agencies who have partnered with us on this operation and who continue to work to enforce both federal and state narcotics laws."

“The indictments, arrests, and seizures in this investigation are the direct result of outstanding partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Shepherd. “DEA, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who threaten our communities through the smuggling and distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs such as cocaine and marijuana.  The abuse of these drugs can have devastating health and societal effects, and these arrests strike a significant blow to the illegal drug trafficking trade in this community.” 

The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. 

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.