Monroe Jury Finds Drug Trafficker Guilty in Federal Court

MONROE, La. - A federal jury in the Monroe Division of the Western District of Louisiana has returned a guilty verdict against Derrick Long a/k/a "Deelong," 44, of Monroe, for drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over the two-day trial.

Long was charged in an indictment in August 2024, along with six other co-defendants, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. According to evidence presented at trial, Long conspired with James Ard, Trentin Demond Parks, and Brandon Wright from January 2023 and continuing through July 2023 to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the Monroe area.

Law enforcement agents began an investigation into the suspected drug trafficking activities of these men and conducted a number of narcotics buys from Long and Ard. Evidence at trial showed that Ard directed their source to call Long wherein they discussed the sale and purchase of methamphetamine. Agents obtained approval to conduct wiretap surveillance of Ard's cellular phone and were able to intercept phone calls between Long and his co-defendants discussing large amounts of pills that they needed to obtain to sell, the distribution and transportation from Texas to Monroe to obtain the narcotics, and how much it would cost to get them and what profit they would make. Long was present with Ard and other co-defendants during drug transactions that took place at Ard's residence. Through their investigation, agents were able to arrest the defendants for their involvement in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Long faces a sentence of 10 years to life in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. All of the other defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in January and February 2025.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Monroe Police Department and Metro Narcotics Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Samuel Crichton.

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