Jon Verdin, a 28-year-old man from Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and Money Laundering charges. On August 7, 2024, Verdin entered a guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance to possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms, as well as money laundering.
During the investigation, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Verdin’s home on February 2, 2022, and recovered over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms. Verdin admitted to possessing the fentanyl with intent to distribute it and that he possessed the firearms despite knowing he had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
The investigation also revealed that Verdin used proceeds from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to purchase a Lincoln MKZ for $28,000 on March 20, 2021. This is considered money laundering, as the funds were derived from a specified unlawful activity.
Verdin faces serious consequences for his crimes. On the narcotics charge, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the felon in possession of firearms charge, Verdin faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. On the money laundering charge, Verdin faces up to ten 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 years of supervised release.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking. The case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve.
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.
Verdin is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2024. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in illicit activities, including fentanyl trafficking, money laundering, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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