Van Vessel, Methamphetamine Distribution, Louisiana 2026

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Houma resident Van Vessel, 50, faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the indictment, during the early morning hours of May 18, 2025, Houma Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Van Vessel for lacking operational headlights and taillights. Vessel attempted to flee but ultimately crashed his vehicle and was arrested. A search of the vehicle Vessel crashed revealed over seven pounds of methamphetamine on the passenger floorboard packaged in a large, vacuum sealed bag.

Vessel later admitted to law enforcement that he knew the methamphetamine was in the vehicle and he possessed the methamphetamine for distribution purposes. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is a reminder of the ongoing threat of methamphetamine distribution in our community.

Van Vessel is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

The investigation that led to Vessel's arrest was a collaborative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies. The Houma Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office worked together to bring Vessel to justice.

Vessel's actions are a serious threat to public safety, and his sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of involvement in the methamphetamine trade.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/houma-man-guilty-possessing-methamphetamine-distribution