RACELAND, LA – Damer Smith, a 46-year-old resident of Raceland, Louisiana, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 84 months for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The sentence, handed down on July 11, 2023, by U.S. District Court Judge Greg Guidry, reflects the gravity of Smith’s actions, which involved not only illegal drug activity but also a direct threat to his own children.
The case unfolded on November 17, 2018, when deputies from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Smith’s home following a disturbing report: Smith had threatened to kill his minor children. Upon arrival, Smith immediately discharged a firearm into his yard, escalating the danger. He subsequently surrendered to authorities, allowing deputies to safely remove the children from the volatile situation.
A subsequent search of Smith’s residence revealed a disturbing arsenal and a significant quantity of narcotics. Authorities discovered three firearms, along with a substantial amount of ammunition. Crucially, they also seized approximately 3,898 grams – nearly four pounds – of prepackaged marijuana, clearly indicating Smith’s involvement in drug trafficking. The combination of firearms and narcotics formed the basis of the federal charges.
Beyond the 84-month prison sentence, Judge Guidry ordered Smith to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his eventual release. Smith is also responsible for a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to tackling gun and drug crime.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans emphasized that this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence nationwide. PSN focuses on fostering trust between law enforcement and communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and measuring outcomes. This prosecution demonstrates the program’s intent to remove dangerous individuals and illegal weapons from the streets.
Evans specifically praised the collaborative efforts of the United States Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in bringing Smith to justice. The successful investigation and prosecution serve as a warning to others involved in similar criminal activity: possessing firearms while engaged in drug trafficking will result in serious federal consequences.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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