Heroin Ring Busted in New Orleans East

Three men, Michael David Sorina, Jr., Larry Hardy, and Terrell Carney, have been brought to justice after pledging guilty to a heroin conspiracy in New Orleans East.

A 23-count indictment was filed against the trio, along with nine other defendants, on July 25, 2014, following an investigation into a heroin trafficking organization. The indictment revealed that Sorina, Hardy, and Carney were responsible for distributing at least 15 kilograms of heroin in the area.

Agents seized approximately $1,200,000 in assets, including vehicles, currency, jewelry, and real property, from members of the organization, which was allegedly acquired with proceeds from the sale of heroin.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating the matter, while Assistant United States Attorney J. Collin Sims will lead the prosecution.

The guilty pleas were made in connection with conspiracy to distribute and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. The investigation, which targeted the heroin trafficking organization, revealed a vast network of heroin distribution in New Orleans East.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier is set to sentence Sorina, Hardy, and Carney on February 19, 2015. The severity of their sentences will depend on the outcome of the sentencing hearing.

The guilty pleas bring an end to the investigation, but the impact of the heroin trafficking organization’s activities on the community will likely take a long time to recover from. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against heroin trafficking in the region.

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