In a recent case in New Orleans, a man named Charles Wade plead guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. Wade, age 42, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large amounts of cocaine hydrochloride, heroin, and fentanyl. During the investigation, law enforcement seized over 40 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, 6 kilograms of fentanyl, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, and $400,000 in bulk cash. Wade now faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life, as well as fines, supervised release, and a special assessment fee. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation and involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
Introduction
In a recent case that highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, a New Orleans man has pleaded guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. This article will provide an overview of the background, crimes, investigation and seizure, court documents and charges, penalties, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), the law enforcement agencies involved, and the prosecution and handling of the case.
Background
The defendant, Charles Wade, aged 42, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to a two-count superseding bill of information. Count one charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, one kilogram or more of heroin, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Count two charged him with interstate travel in aid of racketeering. This guilty plea signifies that the defendant acknowledged his involvement in the crimes and chose not to contest the charges brought against him.
The Crimes
Count one of the charges filed against Charles Wade relates to his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances. Specifically, Wade, along with his co-conspirators, is responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana. Count two pertains to interstate travel in aid of racketeering, indicating that Wade traveled across state lines to further the illegal activities of the criminal organization.
Investigation and Seizure
Law enforcement agencies, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), conducted a thorough investigation into Charles Wade’s criminal activities. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized significant quantities of controlled substances and cash that were believed to be connected to the illegal drug trafficking operation. Specifically, over forty kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, six kilograms of fentanyl, four and a half kilograms of heroin, and over four hundred thousand dollars in bulk cash were confiscated.
Court Documents and Charges
An overview of the court documents reveals that Charles Wade was charged with a two-count superseding bill of information. This document outlines the charges brought against the defendant and serves as the basis for the subsequent legal proceedings. It provides a detailed account of Wade’s involvement in the conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, as well as his interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Penalties
For count one of the charges, which relates to the conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, Charles Wade faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum term of life. Additionally, he may be subject to a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. For count two, which pertains to interstate travel in aid of racketeering, Wade faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
The investigation into Charles Wade’s criminal activities falls under the purview of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). This multi-agency task force is responsible for identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that pose a threat to the United States. OCDETF employs a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, and multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
The investigation into Charles Wade’s illegal activities was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies. The leading agency in this case was the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which played a pivotal role in coordinating and executing the investigation. Other assisting agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Border Patrol, Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, Kenner Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Sheriff’s Office, and New Orleans Police Department. The combined efforts of these agencies contributed to the successful identification, apprehension, and prosecution of Charles Wade and his co-conspirators.
Prosecution and Handling
The prosecution of Charles Wade is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit. As the lead prosecutor, Schiffman is responsible for presenting the evidence and building a strong case against the defendant. Additionally, she will work closely with the law enforcement agencies involved, gather testimonies and witness statements, and ensure that all legal procedures are followed throughout the trial. The handling of this case exemplifies the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in drug trafficking and organized crime.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of Charles Wade in this high-profile case emphasizes the determination of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. With the assistance of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute Wade and his co-conspirators. This successful operation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of controlled substances and cash, preventing their distribution and dismantling the criminal organization involved. The prosecution and handling of this case by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman demonstrates the commitment of the justice system to ensure that those who engage in drug trafficking and racketeering activities face strict penalties for their crimes.