NEW ORLEANS, LA – A four-count indictment has been handed down against Derrick Estes, a 41-year-old resident of Orleans Parish, for alleged drug and gun violations.
The indictment alleges that on January 17, 2021 and February 1, 2021, Estes was in possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and over 28 grams of crack-cocaine. He is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The charges include:
Count 1: Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and over 28 grams of crack-cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted, Estes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, a period of at least 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00 for each count.
Count 2: Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1). If convicted, Estes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
Count 3: Being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). If convicted, Estes faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
Count 4: Possession with intent to distribute crack-cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(vi). If convicted, Estes faces a minimum sentence of 5 years up to a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000.00, a period of at least 4 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00 for each charge.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Derrick Estes, a 41-year-old resident of Orleans Parish, faces serious charges related to drug trafficking and firearms. The case is ongoing, and Estes is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment alleges that Estes was in possession of large quantities of fentanyl and crack-cocaine, as well as firearms, on multiple occasions. If convicted, he faces significant prison time, fines, and supervised release.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and related crimes in the New Orleans area.
As the case proceeds, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will continue to work together to ensure that justice is served.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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