Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Busted in Louisiana

A massive methamphetamine trafficking ring has been busted in Louisiana, with seven defendants facing charges in connection with the crime.

According to a one-count indictment unsealed by U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite, the defendants are accused of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of the highly addictive drug.

The indictment names the defendants as TYLER CONNER, age 25, of Austin, Texas; MELVIN STEEN, aka “Skeet,” age 34, of Slidell, Louisiana; ALLEN GAUTREAUX, age 35, of Lockport, Louisiana; AARON SHEEHAN, age 29, of Brooklyn, Mississippi; RYAN ELLENDER, age 39, of New Orleans, Louisiana; JOSEPH MISALE, aka “Potter,” age 31, of New Orleans; and JEREME VAUGHN, age 36, of New Orleans.

CONNER and VAUGHN are charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment, a maximum 40 years of imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release if found guilty.

The other defendants, STEEN, GAUTREAUX, SHEEHAN, ELLENDER, and MISALE, are charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, which carries a maximum 20 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release if found guilty.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and the Louisiana State Police (“LSP”) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.

Polite reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of methamphetamine trafficking on communities across Louisiana and the nation.