Investigation Results In 7 Indicted In North Louisiana Conspiracy
SHREVEPORT, La. - A two-year-long undercover investigation has resulted in the seizure of over $517,000 in cash and seven people being charged for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, firearm violations, and other related drug charges in parishes across north Louisiana, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Shepherd and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today.
A grand jury delivered a 24-count indictment this Wednesday against Quincy D. Hoover, 39, and Quwanda L. Forest, 35, both of Natchez, La; Jesse C. Thomas, 30 of Haynesville, La; Rodney J. Raymond, Natchitoches, La; Shannon D. Jenkins, 34, and Carlos C. Jenkins, 36, both of Ruston, La. One individual still remains at large.
From June 2012 to July 2014, the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine powder and crack throughout Lincoln, Claiborne, Natchitoches, Sabine, DeSoto, Bossier and Caddo parishes with the source cities for the cocaine being Houston and Dallas. Controlled purchases by law enforcement of cocaine powder and crack cocaine were made from several dealers during the investigation. Federal and local law enforcement officials arrested five of the defendants on July 1, 2014, in the northwest Louisiana area, in which more than half a million dollars in cash, firearms, vehicles, 16 pounds of marijuana and other items were seized.
The defendants were arrested as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task (OCDETF) Operation code name “Pit Stop”. The Drug Enforcement (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisiana State Police, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Police Department, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Shreveport Police Department, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office all participated in this OCDETF operation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles, Jr. and Cytheria Jernigan are prosecuting the case.
“The indictments, arrests, and seizures in this investigation are the direct result of outstanding partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, “stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Shepherd. “DEA, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who threaten our communities through the smuggling and distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. The abuse of these drugs can have devastating health and societal effects, and these arrests strike a significant blow to the illegal drug trafficking trade in this community.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to keeping our communities safe,” Finley stated. “Breaking up this drug distribution ring is a huge step in countering the flow of these illegal substances into the community. I want to thank all the agencies who have partnered with us on this operation and who continue to work to enforce both federal and state narcotics laws.”
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.
