Louisiana Man Sentenced to 14 Years for His Role in a Federal Drug Conspiracy

Louisiana – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Taurus Russell, age 43, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced on March 10, 2022, to a three-count superseding bill of information. In Count 1, Russell was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846. In Count 2, Russell was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b). 

Russell allegedly conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, according to court documents. Russell also used a communication device, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.

Russell was sentenced on March 10, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan. Russell was sentenced to 120 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $100.00 special assessment fee for Count 1. Russell was sentenced to 48 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count for Counts 2 and 3. All prison and supervised release terms are to run concurrently.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Brittany Reed, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher of the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case.

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