Grand Jury Indicts 8 in Multi-State Drug Ring

Baton Rouge, LA — A federal grand jury has indicted eight individuals tied to a sprawling drug trafficking network that flooded Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi with cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. The indictment, unsealed today by U.S. Attorney Walt Green, marks the culmination of a massive joint investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Task Force (OCDETF), targeting a crew that operated under aliases and corporate fronts while moving multi-kilo shipments across state lines.

Arthur Johnson, Jr., a.k.a. “Nelson Howard,” “Wood,” and “Dread,” 40, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and CEO of “Ruff-n-Rugged Entertainment” in Geismar, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and 100 grams or more of heroin; distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin; unlawful use of a communication facility; and forfeiture. Prosecutors allege the entertainment company served as a front for narcotics operations.

Lorenza Benitez Alday, a.k.a. “Old Woman,” “Old Lady,” and “Old Girl,” 51, of Gonzales, Louisiana; Tom Christmas III, a.k.a. “Bald Head” and “Tom Jr.,” 40, of Geismar, Louisiana; and Rodolfo De La Cruz Alday, 43, of Gonzales, Louisiana, face identical charges involving five kilograms or more of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, along with possession and communication charges. Norberto Aaron Bejarano, 30, of Houston, Texas, is charged with distributing five kilograms or more of cocaine as part of the conspiracy.

Reginald Jackson, a.k.a. “Lemonhead,” 44, of Geismar, Louisiana, is charged with conspiracy and multiple distribution counts, including 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. Lashucklan Martin, a.k.a. “Fat,” 39, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Everett D. Ramsey, a.k.a. “Ram,” 30, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, are both charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack, and heroin, along with unlawful use of communication devices and forfeiture.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Our office will continue to aggressively pursue drug traffickers using all legal means available. I commend the FBI, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and all of the other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who contributed to this important matter.” The investigation relied heavily on wiretaps, surveillance, and informant testimony to dismantle the network’s encrypted communications and distribution pipelines.

Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New Orleans FBI, said: “This investigation and indictments are the result of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to keep our communities safe. The FBI will continue to target violent drug organizations that exploit neighborhoods and fuel addiction.” Each defendant faces decades in federal prison and mandatory forfeiture if convicted.

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