Louisiana Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years For Drug Trafficking After Police Find Methamphetamine During Traffic Stop

Lake Charles, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for drug trafficking after police found methamphetamine in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a Lake Charles, Louisiana man has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. for trafficking methamphetamine.

Andrew Simmons, III, 42, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced to 235 months in prison (19 years and 7 months), followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On August 10, 2021, Louisiana State Police troopers and other law enforcement personnel from the Anti-Drug Task Force located in Calcasieu Parish attempted to arrest Simmons. Law enforcement officials activated their emergency lights as Simmons exited his home and got into his vehicle, but Simmons escaped at a fast rate of speed. Simmons was caught after a brief automobile and foot pursuit.

Police performed a check of his vehicle after detecting a strong stench of marijuana inside. Officers discovered a black duffle bag inside the vehicle, which contained multiple clear bags containing roughly 4,121 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Ruger 9mm firearm. Simmons was arrested and charged with methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute.

The Department of Homeland Security – Criminal Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.