LAFAYETTE, La. — A Palmetto man has been caught up in a massive cocaine distribution conspiracy in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
A Palmetto man, Steven Paul Banks, 47, of Palmetto, La., entered a conditional guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, law enforcement agents recorded Banks and other co-conspirators from September to August of 2013 negotiating the purchase of cocaine for later sale in Melville, La.
Banks faces a potential prison sentence of five to 40 years and a fine of up to $5 million. He also faces four to five years of supervised release. A sentencing date has not been set.
The DEA conducted the investigation, which has led to a significant blow to cocaine distribution in the region. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard C. Parker and Robert F. Moore.
The guilty plea is a major victory for law enforcement and a testament to their dedication to keeping our communities safe. The DEA’s efforts have been instrumental in disrupting the flow of cocaine into the region, and this conviction is a significant step forward in that effort.
The case is a reminder that the consequences of cocaine trafficking are severe and that those who engage in this activity will be held accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle cocaine trafficking organizations in the region.
Related Federal Cases
- Sanchez Latson, Conspiracy to Distribute Powder Cocaine, Louisiana 2015 · Louisiana
- Gabriel Carreto-Sanchez, Conspiracy to Distribute One Kilogram or more of Cocaine, Louisiana 2017 · Louisiana
- Milton Carlos Segura-Sanchez, Conspiracy to Distribute One Kilogram or more of Cocaine, Louisiana 2016 · Louisiana
- Dustin Dinet, Crack Cocaine and Heroin Distribution, Louisiana 2019 · Louisiana
- Jhon Albeiro Pineda Jimenez, Cocaine Hydrochloride Distribution, Louisiana 2024 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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