New Orleans, LA – In a major crackdown on drug trafficking and firearms violations, eight Orleans Parish residents have been hit with federal charges. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the ten-count indictment against WILBERT SMITH (44), DAVID KELLUP (44), IVAN KELLUP (41), VINCENT HENDERSON (50), ELI MATHINS (36), DEONTAE DORSEY (43), and RONALD KELLUP (76).
The defendants, accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, face up to life imprisonment if convicted. SMITH and D. KELLUP are charged with possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl and cocaine, carrying a sentence of up to 40 years. HENDERSON faces twenty years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
In addition, HENDERSON, along with SMITH, D. KELLUP, I. KELLUP, MATHINS, and DORSEY, are charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, each facing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment. Counts 5, 6, and 7 charge three individuals for possessing firearms as convicted felons, each facing up to 15 years.
All eight individuals were also indicted for maintaining a drug-involved premises in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. The charges carry up to 20 years imprisonment, fines, and supervised release.
According to the indictment, the defendants operated three residences for packaging and distributing narcotics from May 8, 2024, onward. They used firearms, despite being prohibited by federal law and their prior felony convictions. United States Attorney Evans emphasized that the charges are merely accusations and the guilt of a defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit is handling the prosecution. Evans commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department for their efforts in this case.
RELATED: Feds Launch Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Louisiana
RELATED: Chop and Zo: Eastside Hollygrove Duo Plead Guilty to Drugs and Guns
Related Federal Cases
- Assumption Parish Duo Face Staggering Drug Charges · Louisiana
- Darion Tinson Sentenced in New Orleans Heroin, Gun Case · Louisiana
- New Orleans’ Homer Gross, 32, Sentenced in Heroin, Gun Case · Louisiana
- LeRoy Smith Sentenced to 17 Years for Drug Smuggling & Gun Possession · Louisiana
- New Orleans Couple Accused of Lying to Gun Dealer · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News