New Iberia man pleads guilty to role in methamphetamine distribution conspiracy

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a New Iberia man pleaded guilty to his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in the New Iberia and Lafayette areas.

Corey F. Freyou, 37, of New Iberia, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to the guilty plea, Freyou, along with codefendants Elliot Jolet, 35, and Anita Desormeaux, 43, both of New Iberia, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the New Iberia and Lafayette areas from October 2013 until September of 2014. Jolet and Desormeaux purchased methamphetamine in Texas and transported it to the south central Louisiana area. Freyou traveled with Jolet, Desormeaux and others, purchased methamphetamine in Texas, stored methamphetamine in his home, and sold the methamphetamine. Freyou was supplied with half an ounce of methamphetamine per week and admitted responsibility for at least 500 grams during the conspiracy.  Freyou also forfeited his F-250 truck, which was used in the conspiracy.

Freyou, Jolet and Desormeaux are three of 14 defendants charged in a 20-count indictment returned on November 12, 2014. The other defendants are: Gary Hunt, 59, of Spendora, Texas; Ko Chanhkongshinh, 38, of Youngsville, La.; Jenee Lynn Hargrave, 29, of Scott, La.; David Lowery, 33, of New Iberia; Everette Dupuis, 39, of New Iberia; Michael Guidry, 45, of Erath, La.; Tyrone Howard, 43, of Youngsville; Kevin Jefferson, 31, of New Iberia; Nared Souphannavong, 29, of New Iberia; Brandi Boullion, 28, of New Iberia; and Dewey Migues, 36, of New Iberia. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of crystal methamphetamine, more than $5,000 in cash, a vehicle, and several firearms.

Freyou faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1 million fine, and at least three years supervised release. A sentencing date was not set.

The defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation. The DEA, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Lafayette Police Department investigated the case.  The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations,  coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources, and disrupting and dismantling of major drug trafficking organizations.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie, Daniel J. McCoy and Robert F. Moore are prosecuting the case.