Main Defendant in a Major Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced Along with Three Co-Defendants
Leader Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

LAFAYETTE, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today the sentencing of the main defendant in a major drug trafficking organization, along with three of his co-defendants, for drug trafficking charges. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik.

Cornelius Kelly and nine co-defendants were indicted in August 2009, on a variety of drug trafficking charges and unlawful use of a communication facility. The prosecution was the culmination of a 2 ½ year investigation by the South Central Louisiana Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, Lafayette Police Department and Morgan City Police Department.

The facts surrounding the defendants sentenced today are as follows:

CORNELIUS JAMES KELLY, 31, of Patterson, La., was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by five years’ supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”).

RODERICK WAYNE CARAWAY, 43, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to10 years in prison, followed by four years’ supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,943 grams of cocaine.

KIM JAMES BUTLER, JR., 28, of Patterson, La., was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by five years’ supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”).

TY ANTHONY WILLIAMS, 35, of Patterson, La., was sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by five years’ supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”).

U.S. Attorney Finley said, “This investigation revealed a complex drug trafficking network whose primary interest was distribution of cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”). Members of this criminal organization were involved in an illegal interstate scheme to transport cocaine from Houston, Texas and distribute the cocaine into St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and also, to manufacture, distribute and transport cocaine base (“crack”) to St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. They were responsible for distributing multiple kilos of cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”). These sentences should send a strong message that there is a serious price to pay if you choose to make a career out of drug trafficking.”

The case was investigated by the South Central Louisiana Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. McCoy and Brett L. Grayson.

FACT SHEET:

TIFFANY NICOLE WILLIAMS, 26, of Corpus Christi, Texas, pled guilty on May 11, 2010, and was sentenced in September 2010, to six years in prison, followed by four years’ supervised release, for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and unlawful use of a communication facility.

RICHARD LAMON CROSS, JR., 21, of Monroe, La., pled guilty on April 27, 2010, and was sentenced in October 2010, to six years in prison, followed by five years’ supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”).

JAHMAR KELLY, 22, of Morgan City, La., pled guilty on April 27, 2010, to two counts of distribution of cocaine base (“crack”). Kelly faces imprisonment of not less than five years or more than 40 years for both counts. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

HAROLD ANTHONY HOLLY, 33, of Houma, La., pled guilty on April 15, 2010, and was sentenced in October 2010, to 20 years in prison, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”).

PATRICK RAY, 22, of Morgan City, La., pled guilty on April 27, 2010, and was sentenced in October 2010, to six years in prison, followed by five years’ supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”).