New Orleans, Louisiana - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Jonas Richard, a 43-year-old resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 16, 2025, to three counts of distribution of fentanyl. This plea stems from an investigation that revealed Richard's involvement in narcotics trafficking, specifically the sale of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. The charges were brought under Title 21 of the United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
As a result of his guilty plea, Richard faces severe penalties. Each count carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, which means he could potentially face up to 60 years behind bars. Furthermore, he may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000,000, a minimum of three years of supervised release following his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing is scheduled for April 24, 2025.
Court documents detail that Richard's illegal activities were uncovered during Operation Big Easy, an initiative by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On August 24, 2023, undercover agents approached Richard in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where he solicited them for a narcotics purchase. After agreeing on a price for heroin, Richard contacted his supplier, who delivered the narcotics to him. After testing, the substance was identified as fentanyl, weighing 3.36 grams.
Following this initial sale, Richard kept in contact with the undercover agents. On August 28, 2023, he met them again in a New Orleans parking lot and sold them 16.26 grams of fentanyl. Additionally, on September 15, 2023, Richard sold the agents a half ounce of fentanyl-laced heroin, packaged in two separate bags weighing 12.10 grams and 4.02 grams, respectively.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through community collaboration and strategic law enforcement. Launched on May 26, 2021, the initiative focuses on fostering trust between law enforcement and communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, and setting clear enforcement priorities.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in partnership with the ATF, while the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.