NEW ORLEANS, LA – A six-person heroin and firearms operation has been dismantled, according to a federal indictment unsealed today. Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the 11-count indictment, signaling a major blow to drug trafficking in the Louisiana region. The charges range from large-scale heroin conspiracy to illegally possessing firearms while engaged in drug crimes.
The indictment names CHRIS WELLS, 33, and ASHLI MARTIN, 33, both of Chalmette, Louisiana, alongside JUSTIN CRAFT, 28; ELTON WELLS, 39; LLOYD BOLEWARE, 34; and ANGELMICA AUGUSTINE, 27, all residents of New Orleans. Federal investigators allege the conspiracy spanned an unknown period, culminating around April 18, 2017.
Prosecutors claim that CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLEWARE conspired to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin – a quantity indicative of significant trafficking. Each of these defendants is also individually charged with the distribution of heroin, and BOLEWARE faces an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute. This suggests a multi-tiered operation with varying levels of involvement.
The scope of the alleged criminal activity extends beyond simple drug dealing. CHRIS WELLS, MARTIN, CRAFT, and AUGUSTINE are all accused of possessing firearms “in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes,” a charge that carries a severe mandatory minimum sentence. This detail underscores the dangerous link between the drug trade and gun violence that plagues many American cities.
If convicted on the drug counts, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLEWARE each face a minimum of five years in federal prison and a potential maximum sentence of forty years, along with a hefty fine of $5,000,000. The firearms charges carry a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed – meaning defendants could face decades behind bars.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans was quick to emphasize that the indictment represents allegations, and the burden of proof rests with the government. “The guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” he stated. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andre’ Jones is leading the prosecution.
RELATED: Orlando Heroin & Cocaine Ring Busted: 7 Face Federal Charges
RELATED: Scranton Heroin Ring Busted: Six Face Federal Charges
Related Federal Cases
- Williams and Kelly Sentenced in Operation Wild Wild East Heroin Ring · Washington
- Meth Ring Busted: 26 Facing Federal Charges · Arkansas
- Tran Syndicate Busted: Chemical Smuggling Ring Exposed · New Mexico
- Darrell Lewis Pleads Guilty in Seventh Ward Heroin, Gun Ring · Louisiana
- Seventh Ward Heroin Ring Leaders Sentenced · Kansas
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
