Roosevelt Cockheran, Cocaine Trafficking, Louisiana 2024

A Metairie man has been found guilty of federal drug and gun offenses, authorities announced Thursday. Roosevelt Cockheran, 40, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Cocaine, Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

According to court documents, Cockheran was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies after they recovered several plastic bags containing cocaine and crack cocaine, a black digital scale, a Black Taurus Model PT 24/7 PRO handgun with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of .45 ammo and his cell phone, from his pick-up truck. Examination of the cell phone by JPSO experts and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, revealed text messages, photographs and other information documenting his drug trafficking activities.

Cockheran faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and, at least 8 years of supervised release as to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and Distribute Cocaine. As to Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, Cockheran faces up to 4 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and, up to 1 year of supervised release.

Cockheran also admitted that he is a prior drug offender and as such, is subject to enhanced penalties as to the conspiracy charge. Judge Morgan ordered sentencing to occur on February 25, 2025. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution. This case is part of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Cockheran’s sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and, at least 3 years supervised release for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and, up to three years of supervised release for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

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