LAFAYETTE/LAKE CHARLES, La. – Two Louisiana men are off the streets and facing a decade behind bars after federal judges handed down stiff sentences yesterday for drug and firearms offenses. The cases, originating in Lafayette and Lake Charles, showcase the relentless pursuit of violent criminals and drug traffickers by federal law enforcement in the Western District of Louisiana.
Daryl Beloney, Sr., 50, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, received a 120-month prison sentence followed by 3 years of supervised release from United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. The charges stemmed from a raid on April 1, 2022, where agents with the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force discovered a cache of weapons and narcotics at his Vanessa Avenue residence in Calcasieu Parish. Investigators found a Taurus Millennium PT 145, a Ruger P90, and a Beretta M1934 pistol alongside 7.4 pounds of marijuana. Beloney admitted to possessing the firearms and knowing one had been stolen. He pleaded guilty on January 25, 2024.
The Beloney case was a joint effort led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Gardner skillfully prosecuted the case, securing a significant sentence for the defendant. This sends a clear message that illegal firearm possession will not be tolerated.
In a separate case, Montel Joseph Wilridge, 30, of Lafayette, Louisiana, also received a 120-month sentence, along with 4 years of supervised release, from United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. Wilridge was convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin and being a felon in possession of firearms. On March 6, 2021, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office agents executed a search warrant at a Lafayette residence, uncovering a substantial amount of marijuana, other controlled substances packaged for sale, a digital scale, and three firearms.
The investigation revealed that a Sig Sauer P365 and a Taurus Millennium pistol recovered from the scene had both been reported stolen. Agents also seized 149 grams of suspected heroin, which was later confirmed to be 141.2 grams of the illicit substance by the DEA Southeast Laboratory. Wilridge pleaded guilty to both charges on December 28, 2023, effectively ending any chance of a trial.
The Wilridge case was a collaborative effort between the DEA, ATF, and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Casey Richmond successfully prosecuted the case. These convictions demonstrate the unwavering commitment of federal and local agencies to dismantle drug trafficking operations and remove dangerous criminals from the streets of Louisiana. # # #
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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