Lafayette Parish Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TERRY REED ("REED"), age 54, a resident of Lafayette Parish, pled guilty on October 29, 2024, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts before United States District Judge Brandon Long.

Specifically, REED pled guilty to possession, with intent to distribute, fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) (Count 1); felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Count 2); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Count 3).

On Count 1, REED faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release. On Count 2, REED faces up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. On Count 3, REED faces a consecutive mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. As to each individual count, REED also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on or about February 3, 2024, REED intentionally possessed, with the intent to distribute, (50) grams or more of methamphetamine. Additionally, he possessed a Ruger Model LC9, nine-millimeter pistol, despite being previously convicted of a felony, a fact that prohibits his possession of a firearm. REED used the illegally possessed firearm to further a drug trafficking crime.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.