New Orleans, Louisiana – A 44-year-old Louisiana man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges after authorities discovered large quantities of fentanyl in his Houma apartment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Desmond Johnson, 44 of Houma, Louisiana, entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge Jay Zainey on charges of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charges fall under Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the plea agreement, which comes after an investigation that revealed Johnson was suspected of dealing both heroin and fentanyl from his residence.
Search Warrant Reveals Drug Operation in Louisiana
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Johnson’s apartment, where investigators discovered substantial amounts of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking operations. The evidence supported prosecutors’ allegations that Johnson was operating a distribution network from the location.
Following the search, Johnson participated in a post-Miranda interview with law enforcement officials. During this questioning, he admitted to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute the controlled substance to others.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin and has been linked to a surge in overdose deaths across the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies it as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and limited medical applications.
Sentencing and Potential Penalties
Judge Zainey has scheduled Johnson’s sentencing hearing for December 9, 2025. The federal charges carry substantial penalties that reflect the serious nature of fentanyl distribution crimes.
At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 40 years in federal prison, a potential fine of up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release following any prison term. He will also be required to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
The extended potential prison sentence reflects federal guidelines for fentanyl trafficking cases, particularly those involving quantities of 40 grams or more. Federal sentencing guidelines treat fentanyl cases with enhanced penalties due to the drug’s extreme potency and its role in the ongoing opioid crisis.
Multi-Agency Investigation in Louisiana
Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies that led to Johnson’s arrest and guilty plea. The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police.
This type of multi-agency cooperation has become increasingly common in federal drug cases, particularly those involving fentanyl distribution. Local, state, and federal agencies often pool resources and expertise to combat drug trafficking operations that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting the case. The Narcotics Unit specializes in complex drug trafficking cases and works closely with federal law enforcement agencies to address drug distribution networks throughout Louisiana.
The guilty plea eliminates the need for a trial and allows law enforcement resources to focus on other ongoing investigations. Federal prosecutors often seek plea agreements in drug cases when defendants accept responsibility for their crimes and cooperate with authorities.
Johnson remains in federal custody pending his December sentencing hearing, where Judge Zainey will determine the final sentence within federal guidelines.