Two Marrero men are staring down federal prison time after a grim indictment unsealed today tied them to a violent drug operation spanning multiple narcotics and illegal firearms. Hector Mata, Jr., 30, and Fernando Ordonez, 38, were formally charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of marijuana—fueling the streets with some of the deadliest drugs on the black market.
The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury, also accuses both men of possessing firearms during the commission of drug trafficking crimes—a charge that carries a minimum of 5 years and up to life in prison. Authorities say Mata Jr. and Ordonez possessed a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver and a .223 caliber Olympic Arms model MFR assault rifle during their criminal operation. Mata Jr. faces an additional count for allegedly possessing a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun while trafficking drugs.
But the charges go beyond trafficking and guns. Hector Mata, Jr. is separately charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm—a violation that adds another layer to his criminal exposure. Fernando Ordonez, identified as an illegal alien, is charged with illegal possession of a firearm under federal law. These enhancements signal prosecutors are seeking maximum penalties under the book.
Adding a chilling twist, Mata Jr. is also accused of attempting to obstruct justice by bribing a detective with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The alleged bribe, detailed in court documents, was an effort to derail the investigation—one that ultimately failed thanks to surveillance and interagency cooperation. If convicted, Mata Jr. faces up to 20 years on the obstruction count alone.
For the drug conspiracy charge, both defendants face a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years behind bars. When stacked with the mandatory minimums on the firearm counts—each carrying 5 years to life—the potential sentences could stretch into multiple lifetimes. Federal prosecutors are treating the case as a high-priority strike against organized narcotics networks in the New Orleans metro area.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite emphasized that the indictment is not a finding of guilt, stating, “These are allegations that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” The investigation was led by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is prosecuting. The case now moves toward arraignment and trial, as federal authorities tighten the noose on drug-related violence in Louisiana.
RELATED: 38 Tied to ‘The Punishers’ Drug Ring Indicted in Cayey
RELATED: 10 Assisted Living Owners Indicted in Medicaid Kickback Scheme
Related Federal Cases
- Marrero Kingpin Austin Gets 25 Years for Cocaine & Gun Trafficking · Louisiana
- Darion Tinson Sentenced in New Orleans Heroin, Gun Case · Louisiana
- Keith Foster, 37, Indicted in Heroin and Gun Conspiracy · Louisiana
- New Orleans’ Homer Gross, 32, Sentenced in Heroin, Gun Case · Louisiana
- Darrell Lewis Pleads Guilty in Seventh Ward Heroin, Gun Ring · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
