Lake Charles Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Albert Royster, Jr., 42, of Lake Charles, was sentenced today on drug possession and firearms charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.  United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Royster to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  

In June 2021, law enforcement agents became aware of Royster’s drug trafficking activities and began an investigation.  On August 5, 2021, detectives with the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force in Calcasieu Parish obtained and executed a search warrant on Royster’s residence in Lake Charles. When law enforcement arrived at the residence, they found Royster inside and he was detained. During the search, detectives located 215.25 grams of cocaine and 61.03 grams of crack cocaine packaged in various amounts consistent with drug distribution. In a bedroom used by Royster, they located and seized an American Tactical AR-15 style rifle, a Norinco rifle, over 60 rounds of ammunition, and over $3,000 in cash. After further investigation, law enforcement officers learned that the American Tactical AR-15 style rifle had been reported as stolen. The seized narcotics were sent to the crime lab for testing and confirmed to be cocaine and crack cocaine. 

Royster was previously convicted of distribution of cocaine in 2012 and knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He was indicted in this case and pleaded guilty on July 19, 2024 to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.

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