Monroe Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine in Union Parish

MONROE - On November 10, 2026, United States Chief District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Robert Lashawn Hendricks, 49, of Monroe, to 276 months (23 years) in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, followed by five years of supervised release. Hendricks previously pled guilty to the charge on August 5, 2026.

"Methamphetamine addiction destroys lives and families in rural and urban communities alike, and our Office is committed to working with our federal and state partners throughout the Western District to prosecute the criminals who bring these poisons to our streets," said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. "This case shows the serious penalties that drug traffickers will face when they risk selling in our rural communities, and our Office will continue to identify and prosecute those like Mr. Hendricks who endanger our community through the drug trade."

According to court documents, on January 9, 2026, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Louisiana State Police (LSP) utilized a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Hendricks. During the controlled purchase, Hendricks knowingly distributed 133.1 grams of pure methamphetamine to the confidential informant in exchange for cash. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the substance contained 133.1 grams of pure methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The quantity and purity of the methamphetamine distributed by Hendricks was calculated into the seriousness of the offense and his resulting federal sentence. Hendricks also had a previous multi-count felony conviction for drug distribution in 2011.

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

DEA and LSP investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy J. Miller with assistance from Legal Assistant Stephanie Stewart.

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 3:26-cr-00218.

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