Robert Perkins, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Louisiana 2023

Grimy Times Exclusive: Methamphetamine Distributors Sentenced to Years in Prison

MONROE, La. – In a shocking turn of events, Robert Perkins, 58, of Hall Summit, Louisiana, and Deborah Hawthorne, 60, of Monroe, Louisiana, were sentenced to 13 years and 11 years in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

The saga began on July 29, 2019, when a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a Dodge Charger commit a traffic violation. The deputy soon discovered that the license plate on the vehicle was previously reported stolen and conducted a traffic stop. Perkins, the driver, and Hawthorne, the passenger, denied consent to search the vehicle.

However, a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle, prompting deputies to search it further. During the search, they recovered approximately 960 grams of methamphetamine, three cell phones, and digital scales. Perkins later admitted to the officers that he knew the methamphetamine was inside the vehicle.

The text messages on the cell phones recovered from the Charger revealed that Perkins and Hawthorne were working together to distribute the methamphetamine and shared in the proceeds. This damning evidence sealed their fate, leading to their sentencing.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuting the case.

Perkins and Hawthorne’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking. Their actions not only put their own lives at risk but also endangered the lives of countless others in the community.

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