Lafayette, Louisiana – Jeremy Wade Denegall, a 45-year-old resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge David C. Joseph, who also mandated that Denegall serve an additional five years of supervised release following his incarceration.
The case stems from a traffic stop that occurred on February 22, 2022, when law enforcement officers pulled over Denegall for a traffic violation on Interstate 10. Denegall was the only occupant of the vehicle at the time. Upon approaching the car, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside. This prompted them to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle.
During the search, officers discovered significant quantities of illegal substances. They found a plastic bag containing a substance consistent with crack cocaine, as well as another bag filled with a crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Additionally, fentanyl—a powerful synthetic opioid—was also located in the vehicle. The search yielded two firearms, a magazine holding 19 rounds of ammunition, and two digital scales.
Denegall faced serious charges and pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to two counts: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy, who emphasized the importance of addressing drug trafficking in the community.