North Shore Man Sentenced To Serve 30 Years In Prison For Drug Conspiracy And Firearms Violations
NEW ORLEANS - Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Keith Brown and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that Melvin Jackson, age 35, of Ponchatoula was sentenced today for his participation in a drug conspiracy and his participation in a May 11, 2012, shooting and robbery that took place outside of Roy’s Lounge.
A U.S. District Judge sentenced Jackson to 360 months imprisonment for the drug conspiracy, 120 months on the firearms violation, and 240 months on a separate drug charge. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently with each other.
At trial, which was held on April 11, 2015, the government presented evidence that Jackson, who had a prior conviction for attempted murder, was caught on video in 2012 exiting Roy’s Lounge with several associates after a night of gambling. Once outside, Jackson removed a firearm from his shirt and gave the firearm to his friend, Melvin Dokes. Dokes then shot the victim, a fellow gambler, four times. As the victim lay bleeding on the ground, Jackson stood over him and took several hundred dollars out of the victim’s pockets. Jackson and Dokes then fled. Both were initially arrested on state charges by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, but made bond. While Jackson was out on bond he continued to sell heroin on the North Shore. His drug dealing activity was brought to the attention of federal agents. An undercover operation was done which led to a search warrant being executed at Jackson’s home. Agents recovered drugs and drug proceeds. Jackson then confessed to his role in the conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin and over five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
The DEA lead this investigation along with members of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys in the Eastern District of Louisiana were in charge of the prosecution.
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.
