Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 26, 2023, JERAD M. BARRETT, a/k/a “Mackenzie,” “Mack,” “Big Mack,” age 40, and JENNIE L. JAMES, age 66, both of New Orleans, , were charged in a recently unsealed four-count indictment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of amphetamine, and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of amphetamine, and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and maintaining a drug-involved premises in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a)(1).
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating BARRETT after receiving information regarding his narcotics distribution activity. As a result of this investigation, agents recovered over 500 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of amphetamine pills, and approximately 940 kilograms of marijuana stored in plastic bins and barrels from within his residence and multiple storage units. Agents also uncovered communications between JAMES and BARRETT related to the distribution, packaging, and relocation of narcotics within the Eastern District of Louisiana.
If convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to controlled substances, BARRETT and JAMES each face a minimum of ten (10) years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, BARRETT faces a minimum of ten (10) years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, BARRETT faces a minimum of five (5) years up to forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and a minimum of four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of maintaining a drug-involved premises, BARRETT and JAMES each face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each of the charged counts, BARRETT and JAMES, individually, face payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.