Ja’Vontay Owens, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Louisiana 2020

New Orleans, LA – In a shocking turn of events, Ja’Vontay Owens, a 28-year-old resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced to 9 years in prison for violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts. The sentencing took place on an undisclosed date, but the crime occurred on September 26, 2020 in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

According to court documents, Owens was driving a vehicle on Highway 21 in Bogalusa when he was pulled over by Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies. During the traffic stop, deputies immediately smelled marijuana on Owens and placed him under arrest. A thorough search of Owens’ vehicle and person revealed a stash of illicit substances, including 27 grams of methamphetamine found in his underwear, 5 grams of cocaine base, and less than 1 gram of heroin under the driver’s seat.

A loaded black Glock, Model 19, nine millimeter, semi-automatic pistol was also discovered in the rear driver side door of the vehicle. Owens, a previously convicted felon, was aware of his felon status prior to possessing the firearm.

Owens pleaded guilty to a three-count indictment charging him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Five (5) Grams or More of Methamphetamine, a Quantity of Cocaine Base (“Crack”), and a Quantity of Heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and (b)(1)(C) (Count 1), Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) (Count 2), and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) (Count 3).

The Court imposed concurrent 72-month sentences as to Counts 1-2 and a consecutive 60-month sentence as to Count 3, followed by four (4) years of supervised release. Owens was also ordered to pay a total of $300 in mandatory special assessment fees.

This case was investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.

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