Louisiana Man Sentenced to More than 11 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

Louisiana – Brandon Khesahn Cooper, 50, of Dubach, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty on June 14, 2022, according to United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Cooper was sentenced to 138 months in prison (11 years and 6 months), followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of firearms by a convicted felon and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to evidence presented in court, on October 19, 2021, deputies from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Cooper's residence. Deputies discovered 12 grams of methamphetamine and a Charter Arms .38 revolver in Cooper's bedroom, next to his wallet. Deputies also discovered packaging material consistent with illegal substance distribution and a.410 gauge CBC shotgun in the bedroom.

Cooper was interviewed by US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents after being read his Miranda rights. Cooper claimed the methamphetamine and firearms during the interview, and admitted to agents that he was selling drugs and had purchased the revolver despite being a convicted felon. Cooper had previously been convicted of a felony and was aware that he was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition. ATF agents determined that the revolver and shotgun were both manufactured outside of the state of Louisiana and had traveled in interstate commerce.

The DEA, ATF, and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department's renewed focus on violent criminals, which directs all U.S. Attorney's Offices to collaborate with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, as well as the local community, to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. Visit www.justice.gov/psn to learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.