NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Two New Orleans men are facing serious federal charges following a six-count indictment unsealed August 7, 2025. YUAN BUGGAGE, 25, and ALGERNON JACQUES, 25, stand accused of conspiring to flood the streets with narcotics while illegally armed, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
The indictment alleges that BUGGAGE and JACQUES conspired, beginning no later than March 31, 2025, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Tapentadol and marijuana – a Schedule II and Schedule I controlled substance, respectively. They are specifically charged in Count 1 with conspiracy, and in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute these substances, violating Title 21 of the United States Code. The feds aren’t playing around; this isn’t just about a few joints.
But the drug charges aren’t the whole story. Count 3 accuses both men of possessing firearms – a Glock Model 23 Gen 5, .40 caliber pistol, a Glock Model 43X, nine-millimeter pistol, and a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol – in furtherance of their drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18. Adding insult to injury, BUGGAGE, a convicted felon, is also charged in Count 4 with illegally possessing those same firearms, further violating Title 18. This is a dangerous combination, and the authorities are sending a clear message.
Court documents detail that the alleged conspiracy continued through approximately April 24, 2025. If convicted on the drug trafficking conspiracy (Count 1), BUGGAGE and JACQUES each face up to 20 years in prison, a potential $1,000,000 fine, and a minimum of three years of supervised release. The drug distribution charge (Count 2) carries the same penalties. However, the firearms charge (Count 3) carries a significantly harsher sentence – a mandatory minimum of five years, up to life in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentences, plus a $250,000 fine and up to five years of supervised release. BUGGAGE, facing the additional felon in possession charge (Count 4), could see up to 15 years added to his sentence, with a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Each count also includes a $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson was quick to emphasize that the indictment is merely an accusation, and the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. “The guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” he stated. He praised the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in bringing these charges. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the Violent Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation streamlines resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), signaling a heightened focus on combating violent crime and reclaiming communities from the grip of illegal activity. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.
RELATED: NOLA Mayor and Cop Indicted for Fraudulent Scheme
RELATED: NOLA Man, 30, Busted with Glock Despite Felony Rap
Related Federal Cases
- Assumption Parish Duo Face Staggering Drug Charges · Louisiana
- Keith Foster, 37, Indicted in Heroin and Gun Conspiracy · Louisiana
- LeRoy Smith Sentenced to 17 Years for Drug Smuggling & Gun Possession · Louisiana
- NOLA Drug Kingpin Gross Williams Gets 23 Years · Louisiana
- Hill Gets 15 Years for Meth & Stolen Gun · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News