Metairie Residents Indicted for Federal Drug and Firearms Violations

NEW ORLEANS, LA – DESHAUN WHATLEY, age 43, and LEATRICE FRANKLIN, age 36, both of Metairie, LA, were indicted on April 28, 2023 on one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 and one (1) count of Possession of Firearms during a Drug Trafficking Offense in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  WHATLEY was additionally indicted on one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, both FRANKLIN and WHATLEY possessed firearms while possessing with the intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.  WHATLEY was further prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction.  If convicted on the drug charge, both FRANKLIN and WHATLEY face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.  As to the firearms possession while trafficking charge, both FRANKLIN and WHATLEY face a minimum of five years up to life imprisonment.  Any sentence imposed must be served consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.  As to the felon in possession of a firearm charge  WHATLEY faces up to ten years imprisonment, up to  a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.  Each count also requires a payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.