Louisiana Man Dopes Up Community with Fentanyl

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A St. Tammany Parish man is facing the consequences of his actions after dishing out deadly doses of fentanyl to his community.

Larry James, a 23-year-old Madisonville resident, pleaded guilty on May 21, 2024, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act in front of United States District Judge Susie Morgan.

According to court documents, James sold fentanyl pills to an undercover agent on August 25, 2023, September 8, 2023, and September 15, 2023. Law enforcement searched James’s residence on September 28, 2023, and found additional fentanyl pills, packaging materials, and two digital scales.

James faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment for Counts 1 and 4, as well as a fine of up to $5,000,000 and at least 4 years of supervised release. For Counts 2, 3, and 5, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.

James’s sentencing is set for August 20, 2024, and he will also face payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each count.

The sale of fentanyl has been a major concern in the United States, with thousands of overdose deaths attributed to the deadly substance each year. Law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice, and cases like James’s serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl trafficking.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans said, ‘The sale of fentanyl is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.’