California Man Dumps 485 Grams of Heroin on Metairie Doorsteps

A 52-year-old California man has been slammed for his role in dumping nearly half a kilogram of heroin on the doorsteps of unsuspecting residents in Metairie, Louisiana.

Al Vernon Brown, a Los Angeles resident, pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

According to court documents, Brown mailed half-kilogram quantities of heroin from California to his co-conspirators in New Orleans, including Christopher Johnson and Kevin Johnson. On June 22, 2021, agents seized a package containing 485 grams of heroin that was mailed by Brown to Metairie, Louisiana, and was intended for Kevin Johnson.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation into Brown’s heroin trafficking operation.

For each charge, Brown faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution of Brown, who is set to be sentenced at a later date.

The harsh realities of heroin addiction and the devastating impact it has on communities are well-documented. This case serves as a stark reminder of the perils of heroin trafficking and the lengths to which individuals will go to feed their addiction.