U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DARION TINSON, age 34, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today to two counts of an Indictment charging violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to court documents, during a search of a residence where TINSON was living, agents located approximately two ounces of heroin in a bedroom, as well as a stolen Taurus .45 semi-automatic pistol in close proximity to the suspected heroin. Additionally, agents seized a scale, suspected marijuana, and approximately $2,000.00 in U.S. currency in the nightstand of the master bedroom. TINSON admitted that the heroin and gun were his during post arrest interviews. TINSON pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and possession a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
TINSON faces up to 20 years in prison on the drug trafficking charge, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. The gun charge carries a mandatory minimum additional 5 years in prison that must run consecutive to any other sentence. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for October 26, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.