Multiple Individuals Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today a four-count indictment charging the following individuals:

• LARRY G. TURNER, (TURNER), age 41, of Tangipahoa Parish
• ELMO FRANKLIN(FRANKLIN), age 42, of Tangipahoa Parish
• REGGINALD HENRY(HENRY), age 41, of St. Tammany Parish
• JYSTON DANTZLER(DANTZLER), age 26, of Tangipahoa Parish
• WAYNE LONG(LONG), age 39, of Tangipahoa Parish
• GARRETT MCCLAIN JR.(MCCLAIN), age 24 of Tangipahoa Parish
• ROY SHORT(SHORT), age 52, of Washington Parish
• TAWAN ANTHONY(ANTHONY), age 22, of St. Tammany Parish

The indictment occurred on June 26, 2025, and was only announced after all eight individuals had been arrested by local law enforcement, and Drug Enforcement Administration special agents. All eight individuals were indicted in Count 1 for Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 2, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); §841(b)(1)(A), § 841(b)(1)(B), §841(b)(1)(C), and 846. MCCLAIN was additionally charged in Count 2 for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), §841(b)(1)(A), and § 841(b)(1)(B). HENRY and ANTHONY were also charged in Count 3 with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), §841(b)(1)(B), and § 841(b)(1)(C). SHORT was additionally charged in Count 4 with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and §841(b)(1)(B). HENRY and SHORT also face a sentencing enhancement due to their prior convictions for drug trafficking offenses.

If convicted of the charge(s) they face, TURNER, FRANKLIN, LONG, and MCCLAIN face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years, and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five (5) years of supervised release. HENRY and SHORT face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years, and up to life imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least five (4) years of supervised release. DANTZLER and ANTHONY face a mandatory minimum sentence of five (years), and up to forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least five (4) years of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.

According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown, but continuing until at least June 26, 2025, these eight individuals conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy mainly revolved around TURNER's residence in Tickfaw, Louisiana. The execution of a federal search warrant at TURNER's residence led to the recovery of over five (5) kilograms of suspected fentanyl in counterfeit pill form, along with multiple firearms.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), as well as the Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, 22nd JDC District Attorney's Office, Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Louisiana National Guard. FORT was also assisted by the Louisiana State Police, Bogalusa Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.