Two From Louisiana Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

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Published May 11, 2022

Two From Louisiana Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

Louisiana – On May 10, 2022, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Gregory Johnson, Jr., age 43, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Keith Bourgeois, age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana were indicted on May 5, 2022 by a federal grand jury for violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the Gun Control Act. Johnson and Bourgeois were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(C), 846. Johnson and Bourgeois were also charged with possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

Johnson and Bourgeois, according to the indictment, conspired with each other and others to distribute cocaine hydrochloride in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere. Johnson and Bourgeois had a Smith and Wesson Model SD.40 caliber pistol, a Taurus PT 24/7.40 caliber pistol, a Heritage Rough Rider.45 LC caliber revolver, and a Thompson Center Arms Super 14.35 Rem caliber pistol on or about April 19, 2022. Johnson also had a Springfield XD-S Mod.2.45 caliber pistol with him.

If convicted, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to life in prison, a fine of up to $8,000,000, and at least 8 years of supervised release; Bourgeois faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release. Johnson and Bourgeois face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Johnson and Bourgeois face up to ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for being felons in possession of a firearm.

Johnson and Bourgeois must also pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each charge they face.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police are both looking into this case. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.