In a shocking turn of events, KEVIN GONZALES, age 25, of Houston, has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute over one kilogram of heroin. This guilty plea is the latest development in a long-running investigation into a heroin-trafficking organization operating in the New Orleans area.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, GONZALES is facing not less than 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, as well as a possible fine of up to $10,000,000. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier will sentence GONZALES on January 12, 2017. The severity of the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the significant quantities of heroin involved.
In a related development, MARTHA QUINONES, age 51, of Houston, and REGINALD WASHINGTON, age 33, of New Orleans, were sentenced after having previously pled guilty to the same heroin conspiracy. Judge Barbier sentenced QUINONES to 120 months of incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. WASHINGTON received a similar sentence, with 120 months of incarceration to be followed by 8 years of supervised release.
The investigation into this heroin-trafficking organization was led by the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF), with significant contributions from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long. U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the work of these agencies, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in combating organized crime.
The heroin-trafficking organization involved in this case operated primarily around Loyola Avenue and Harmony Street in Central City. According to court documents, GONZALES and QUINONES would travel from Houston to New Orleans via Megabus, carrying half-kilogram quantities of heroin for distribution by WASHINGTON and others in the New Orleans area. This brazen use of public transportation to traffic large quantities of heroin underscores the cunning and ruthlessness of those involved in this conspiracy.
The guilty plea and sentences in this case serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of heroin trafficking and the severe consequences that await those who engage in this activity. As the war on drugs continues, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors remain committed to dismantling organizations like this one and bringing perpetrators to justice. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates on the ongoing efforts to combat heroin trafficking in the New Orleans area.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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