43-Year-Old Louisiana Man Sentenced to 15 Years After Being Convicted of Distribution of Methamphetamine and Firearms Charges

Shreveport, Louisiana - A 43-year-old Louisiana man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of the distribution of methamphetamine and firearms charges.

On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Ronnie K. Hongo, Jr., 43, of Many, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 180 months (15 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on drug and firearms charges.

According to evidence given in court, on or around March 19, 2021, the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Hongo's home in Many, Louisiana. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office had information that Hongo was selling methamphetamine to others. Deputies recovered 369 grams of methamphetamine and a .45 caliber pistol inside the home while carrying out the search warrant. Hongo was present at the time of the search and was arrested as a result. During his arrest, Hongo admitted to having the narcotics and a handgun.

Further ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) investigation found that the firearm had traveled in interstate commerce and functioned as intended. On October 5, 2022, Hongo pleaded guilty to one count of methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute and one count of possessing and using a handgun during a narcotics trafficking offense.

The FBI, ATF, and Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten.