Bogalusa Man Admits to 6.5lb Cocaine Run

LAKE CHARLES, La. – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 10 turned into a major drug bust, culminating in a guilty plea from Bogalusa resident Craig Antwon Jefferson, 30. Jefferson admitted Wednesday to possession with intent to distribute a substantial quantity of cocaine, a charge stemming from an April 14, 2016, encounter with law enforcement.

According to court documents, Jefferson’s vehicle was pulled over in Calcasieu Parish for an unspecified traffic violation. A subsequent search revealed a backpack concealing 6.5 pounds of cocaine, along with 6 grams of marijuana. The discovery effectively ended Jefferson’s cross-country run and landed him in federal custody.

Jefferson pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay, but the final acceptance of the plea rests with U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. The prosecution, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore, has built a solid case, and Jefferson now faces a harsh sentence for his actions. This isn’t a small-time operation; we’re talking about a significant amount of narcotics hitting the streets.

The potential penalties are steep. Jefferson is looking at a prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life, followed by eight years of supervised release. Beyond incarceration, he could be slapped with a staggering $8 million fine – a clear message that federal authorities are taking drug trafficking seriously in Louisiana.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Task Force, demonstrating the importance of interagency cooperation in dismantling drug networks. The task force clearly did their due diligence, leading to the evidence that secured this conviction.

A sentencing date has been set for May 22, 2017, where Judge Minaldi will determine Jefferson’s fate. This case serves as a stark reminder that engaging in drug trafficking carries severe consequences, and the Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the outcome. The streets of Louisiana are a little safer with this dealer off them.