Three New Orleans Men Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, Fourth Man Arrested

NEW ORLEANS—MACK BAKER, age 23; MARVIN WILLIAMS, age 22; and RICHARD SIMS, age 30, all of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. A fourth man, TYRONE DUNCAN, was arrested today, on a complaint for related charges.

Count one charged BAKER, WILLIAMS, and SIMS with conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Count two charged BAKER and WILLIAMS with distributing heroin on June 9, 2011. Count three charged BAKER, WILLIAMS, and SIMS with distributing heroin on June 20, 2011. DUNCAN is charged in a complaint with conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin. DUNCAN is charged with distributing heroin on June 2, 2011.

If convicted, BAKER, WILLIAMS, SIMS, and DUNCAN could face a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a fine of $6,000,000, and six years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting an investigation of the lower 9th Ward in response to an upsurge in heroin distribution and an increase in violent crime, including murders.

U.S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera.