SHREVEPORT, LA – A pair of Shreveport men are headed to federal prison after being convicted on drug and firearms charges, authorities announced Wednesday. The sentences, handed down by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, highlight the ongoing battle against narcotics and illegal weapons flooding the streets.
Eric Lamar Wimbley, 51, received the heavier sentence – 168 months (14 years) followed by 3 years of supervised release. The bust originated with a routine parole search in April 2022, conducted by Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole officers and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. What they found wasn’t routine: 1.320 grams of cocaine, a staggering 107.7 grams of cocaine base, and 125.67 grams of methamphetamine tablets, all clearly packaged for street-level distribution. Alongside the drugs, officers discovered digital scales, razor blades coated in cocaine residue, packaging materials, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Wimbley was found to be in possession of the vehicle’s key fob, cementing his connection to the operation. He ultimately pleaded guilty in December 2022 to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The investigation into Wimbley was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case, securing the lengthy prison term. Sources say the amount of cocaine base alone indicated Wimbley was a significant player in the local drug trade, capable of supplying multiple dealers.
In a separate case, Demetrius Johnson, Jr., 23, was sentenced to 66 months in prison, also followed by 3 years of supervised release. Shreveport Police Department officers initiated a traffic stop on March 14, 2022, and immediately detected the pungent odor of marijuana emanating from Johnson’s vehicle. A K-9 unit confirmed their suspicions, leading to a search that uncovered a Century Arms Draco pistol tucked under the passenger seat. Officers also found a backpack containing approximately 200 grams of marijuana, divided into individual bags, along with packaging materials and a digital scale. A 9mm Glock magazine was also recovered.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) determined the Draco pistol was a functional firearm that had crossed state lines, establishing a federal violation. The marijuana was confirmed by the crime lab. ATF agents and the Shreveport Police Department jointly investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford leading the prosecution. The Draco pistol, known for its compact size and high rate of fire, is a favored weapon among criminals.
These convictions send a clear message: Shreveport isn’t a safe haven for drug dealers and those who arm themselves with illegal firearms. Federal prosecutors are increasingly focused on disrupting these networks and holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of the scale of their operation. Both cases demonstrate the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling crime in the region. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our local, state, and federal partners to remove dangerous individuals and narcotics from our communities,” a source within the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.
Related Federal Cases
- Eric Dwayne Williams, Felony Gun Charge, Shreveport LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Austin, Cocaine and Gun Trafficking, Marrero LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez, Texas Drug Trafficking, Beaumont TX, 2023 · Louisiana
- Michael John Pereira, Possession of a Firearm in a Drug Trafficking… · Louisiana
- Eric LaPaul Harper, Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy, Beaumon… · Louisiana
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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