Louisiana Man Indicted for More than a Kilo of Fentanyl and Multiple Firearms

Published February 18, 2022

A Louisiana man has been indicted for allegedly possessing more than a kilogram of fentanyl and multiple firearms.

Louisiana –  Jon Verdin, age 25, of Terrebonne Parish, LA., was charged February 11, 2022, in a three (3) count indictment by a federal grand jury with narcotics and firearms charges for allegedly possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms. Specifically, the federal grand jury charged Verdin with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(vi), as well as Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 922(g)(1), and 924(e)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

Verdin faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years in prison and a maximum term of life imprisonment if convicted of the narcotics trafficking charges, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If Verdin is convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, he faces an additional sixty-month sentence, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.

Finally, if Verdin is found to be an Armed Career Criminal due to his criminal history, he faces a minimum of fifteen years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release for his felon in possession of firearms charge.

Verdin also faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each offense.

This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) extensive investigation. The OCDETF 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the defendants’ guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police all investigated this case. Melissa Bücher, Assistant United States Attorney, is in charge of the prosecution.

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