United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW ORLEANS - An indictment was unsealed today against Dr. Wayne Jerome Celestine, age 57, a physician who practices in Gretna, Louisiana and resides in the New Orleans area, announced Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

On Monday, April 30, 2018, Celestine was arrested on charges of distribution of controlled substances. According to court records, Celestine illegally dispensed and conspired with others to illegally dispense controlled substances, including oxycodone, oxycodone/acetaminophen, oxycontin HCL, oxymorphone HCL, hydromorphone, opana, fentanyl, suboxone, and morphine sulfate, a Schedule II drug controlled substances; hydrocodone/acetaminophen, a Schedule III drug controlled substance until October 6, 2014, thereafter, a Schedule II drug controlled substance; and alprazolam, diazepam, and carisoprodol, Schedule IV drug controlled substances.

Celestine made his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Court Judge, on Monday, April 30, 2018. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2018.

If convicted of the charge in the criminal complaint, Celestine will face a maximum of not more than 20 years in prison on the drug conspiracy charge, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Celestine will also be subject to a fine of not more than $1 million and a minimum term of supervised release of three years, following any term of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the DEA, Internal Revenue Service, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Harahan Police Department, Westwego Police Department, Louisiana State Police, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and New Orleans District Attorney’s Office.

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.