New Orleans Duo Indicted for Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Gun Charges

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Two New Orleans men are behind bars after being charged with federal drug and weapons offenses, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

JOSEPH MILLER, 21, and KENNETH TURNER, 36, were charged on April 19, 2024, in an eight-count indictment with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

The indictment alleges that MILLER and TURNER conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Both men are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking conspiracy, with each facing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.

MILLER is additionally charged with five separate distributions of various quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, with each count carrying a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The indictment is a significant blow to the alleged drug trafficking ring, and it highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in combating violent crime and gun violence.