Tangipahoa Parish Men Indicted On Drug And Gun Charges
(NEW ORLEANS) - - Jeffrey Michele, 43; Leslie McMorris, 55; and Sam Michele, III,40, all residents of Tangipahoa Parish, were indicted today by a federal Grand Jury on two counts involving cocaine conspiracy and distribution charges occurring in Tangipahoa Parish.
The investigation, conducted by the New Orleans Field Division DEA Office revealed that Jeffrey Michele, Leslie McMorris, and Sam Michele, III conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. Jeffrey Michele is also charged in the indictment with distribution of a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride.
If convicted on all charges, Jeffrey Michele, Leslie McMorris and Sam Michele, III face a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, and a minimum term of five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph W. Shepherd reiterated that a criminal indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. That charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation is being conducted by special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney André Jones.
Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
