New Orleans, Louisiana – Jon Verdin, 28, of Terrebonne Parish, La., has pleaded guilty to possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms, in addition to money laundering. The charges include possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity.
In February 2022, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Verdin’s home and recovered over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms. Verdin admitted to possessing the fentanyl with intent to distribute it and admitted to possessing the firearms knowing he had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Verdin used proceeds from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to purchase a Lincoln MKZ for $28,000.
Verdin is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2024. He faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the felon in possession of firearms charge, Verdin faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. On the money laundering charge, Verdin faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Related Federal Cases
- Chhay Lim, Gun Control Act Violations, Louisiana 2015 · Georgia
- Austin, Cocaine and Gun Trafficking, Marrero LA, 2023 · Georgia
- Keith Foster, Heroin and Gun Conspiracy, Louisiana 2015 · Louisiana
- Michael Paul Boyter, Money Laundering, LA 2024 · Washington
- Darrell Lewis, Heroin and Firearms Trafficking, Louisiana 2024 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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