Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DASHAWN LEWIS, age 39; MARK RICHBURG, age 36; LEO CATCHINGS, age 38; NATHAN BALLANSAW III, age 65, all of New Orleans; and, MICHAEL HOLMES, age 37, of Avondale, were indicted today by a federal grand jury for charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and other offenses.
According to the indictment, since on or about April 22, 2016, LEWIS, RICHBURG, HOLMES, CATCHINGS, and BALLANSAW III, conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and quantities of cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. All of the defendants are also charged with possessing a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. Finally, LEWIS and HOLMES are also charged with distributing heroin during the conspiracy.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.