Jury Convicts Georgia Woman for Drug Trafficking Source of Methamphetamine for Bossier City

SHREVEPORT, LA—Miranda “Mandi” Sierra, 33, of Dallas, Georgia, was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney William J. Flanagan announced today.

According to court testimony, Sierra was transporting drugs down 1-20 from Georgia to Bossier City, La. She was supplying methamphetamine to Jimmie and Susan Underwood, who were selling it to various people in the area, including an undercover police officer. From January 2009, and continuing to July of 2009, over 70 grams of pure methamphetamine was either purchased or seized. Also seized was $7,886.00 in cash, $4,000.00 of which was cash used in a controlled purchase of drugs by an undercover agent.

Susan Underwood previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and will face 10 years to life in prison, a fine of not more than $4 million, or both, when she is sentenced on May 13, 2010. Jimmie Underwood also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges but faces 20 years to life in prison, a fine of not more than $8 million, or both, when he is sentenced on May 13, 2010.

Sierra is scheduled for sentencing on May 27, 2010. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years to life in prison, a fine of $8 million, or both. Sentencing in federal court is determined by the discretion of federal judges and the governing statute. Parole has been abolished in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bossier City Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allison D. Bushnell.