NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – In a move to clean up the streets of St. John the Baptist Parish, federal authorities have taken down a major player in the local drug trade. Jessica Marie Portway, a 41-year-old woman from St. John the Baptist Parish, has been indicted for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to the indictment, on August 30, 2023, Portway allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This is a serious offense, and if convicted, Portway faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years.
The indictment also states that Portway could be facing a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. On top of that, she will have to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans made it clear that this indictment is just the beginning. ‘The indictment is merely a charging document, and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,’ he said.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Briana Williams and Andre Jones of the Narcotics Unit will be handling the prosecution.
The people of St. John the Baptist Parish can rest a little easier knowing that a major player in the local drug trade has been taken off the streets. But the fight against drug trafficking is far from over. It will take a concerted effort from law enforcement and the community to keep our streets safe.
Related Federal Cases
- Amite Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Possession · Louisiana
- John Homer Legros Jr. Gets 12 Years for Oxycodone Ring · Louisiana
- New Orleans Duo Indicted for Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Gun Charges · Louisiana
- Heroin Kingpin Kevin Johnson Takes Fall for 485 Grams of Poison · Louisiana
- California Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Methamphetamine Distribution · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking