New Orleans, Louisiana - In a significant law enforcement action, seven individuals from California have been indicted in a federal court in Louisiana on charges related to the conspiracy and transportation of stolen cigarettes. The indictment, announced on January 30, 2025, involves DeAnthony Blocker, 38, James Blocker, 37, Jovan Collins, 34, Lorenzo Taylor, 39, Nemirah Davidson, 38, and Patrick Garland, 39. The group faces serious allegations under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 2314.
According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to transport thousands of cartons of cigarettes that had been stolen from multiple warehousing facilities located in Georgia, North Carolina, and Louisiana. The suspects are accused of using tools such as bolt cutters and crowbars to break through fences at these facilities, allowing them unauthorized access to the valuable goods.
The indictment outlines two counts against the defendants. If convicted of the first count, which pertains to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods, each defendant could face up to five years in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The second count, which addresses the actual transportation of stolen goods, carries a more severe penalty. Conviction on this count could result in up to ten years of imprisonment, an additional fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and the same mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans emphasized the importance of the indictment as a formal charging document, reminding the public that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He also acknowledged the collaboration of several law enforcement agencies in this investigation, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, and various police departments from Texas and Georgia.
The prosecution will be led by Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell, who is part of the General Crimes Unit. The case has drawn attention due to the scale of the alleged theft and the cross-state implications of the crime.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.