MONROE, LA – A wave of federal sentences crashed down on five men in Louisiana this week, all tied to the dangerous intersection of drug trafficking and illegal firearms. The cases, investigated by a coalition of federal and state agencies, highlight the persistent struggle to stem the flow of narcotics and guns across state lines. Judge Terry A. Doughty handed down the sentences Wednesday, sending a clear message about the consequences of these crimes.
The harshest sentence went to Monta L. Allen, 37, of Monroe, who received 216 months (18 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Allen’s downfall began on January 23, 2021, with a routine traffic stop. When an Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull him over, Allen floored it, leading officers on a high-speed chase. The chase ended with Allen’s arrest and the seizure of over 50 grams of meth from his vehicle. A subsequent raid of his Monroe residence uncovered a firearm, additional narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a stash of cash. Allen confessed to using and intending to sell the methamphetamine.
John S. Lee, 41, of Tallulah, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years), followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation. On March 17, 2022, agents executed a search warrant on Lee’s residence after surveillance showed him and a woman leaving in separate vehicles. A search of the woman’s car revealed a backpack stuffed with over $10,000 in cash, two firearms, and approximately four kilograms of powder cocaine. A search of Lee’s residence yielded another 38 grams of cocaine. Lee admitted the backpack belonged to him and he’d tasked the woman with transporting the contraband. He also acknowledged his status as a convicted felon, barring him from owning firearms.
Rawtavious Demon Moore, 36, of Monroe, received 132 months (11 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On September 4, 2022, a Monroe Police officer initiated a stop of Moore’s vehicle. The officer found a loaded Smith and Wesson Model 637 .38 caliber firearm inside. ATF agents determined the firearm had crossed state lines. Moore, previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute MDMA in 2021, knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew C. Weber, Alexander C. Van Hook, Mike Shannon, and others prosecuted the cases, building on the investigative work of the DEA, ATF, Louisiana State Police, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Monroe Police Department. These convictions demonstrate the continued commitment of federal and local law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking networks and remove illegal firearms from the streets of Louisiana.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown stated that these sentences should serve as a deterrent to others considering similar criminal activity. The Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases and report on the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and gun violence in the region. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible.
Related Federal Cases
- Chad Piazza Admits Meth Trafficking Conspiracy, Beaumont TX, 2014 · Louisiana
- Dean Allen Tucker Pleads Guilty to Purchasing Cold Pills for Meth, … · Oklahoma
- Heath Meshell, Meth Trafficking, LA 2024 · Louisiana
- Austin, Cocaine and Gun Trafficking, Marrero LA, 2023 · Louisiana
- Marcus Deshawn Wright Sentenced to Life Terms for Sex Trafficking o… · Louisiana
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
