Jennings man sentenced to 6 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl (DOJ)

LAFAYETTE - On October 20, 2026, United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Drekeylone Peters, 33, of Jennings, to 72 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, followed by 4 years of supervised release. Peters previously pled guilty to the charge on June 29, 2026.

According to court documents, in July 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in the Jennings area and supplied by an individual known to investigators. They confirmed that this supplier was distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Investigators soon identified Peters as a central figure in the organization's drug trafficking activities.

On March 2, 2023, the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office (JDPSO) executed search warrants at Peters' residence in Jennings and at a commercial property used by the conspirators. At the residence, officers recovered cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale, and baking soda, items consistent with drug distribution. At the commercial property, officers located a maroon vehicle containing methamphetamine, cocaine, para fluorofentanyl, and stamped pills later confirmed to contain a fentanyl analogue. Officers also seized two handguns and a rifle. A forensic review of Peters' cellphone revealed regular communication between him and his co-conspirators which documented their coordinated distribution of narcotics between July 2022 and February 2023. In total, Peters was found responsible, with his co-conspirators, for at least 476.59 grams of methamphetamine, 124.76 grams of cocaine, and 16.55 grams of a fentanyl analogue.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Forearms and Explosives, JDPSO, and the Jennings Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Kimberly Blanchard.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:23 cr 00205 05.

###

CONTACT:
Public Affairs
(337) 262-6704
[email protected]
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla