LAFAYETTE, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that 12 people were indicted Wednesday in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Lafayette and the surrounding areas.

Those named in the 15-count indictment are:

Jeremy David Hamlett, 37, of Arnaudville, La. Lovlace L. Comeaux II, 53, of Lafayette Kevin Comeaux, 54, of Milton, La. Darrell James Serrette II, 33, of Breaux Bridge, La. Jared J. Dupuis, 38, of Breaux Bridge Jade Dupuis, 37, of Arnaudville Elton Scroggins, 34, of Breaux Bridge John S. Stutes, 44, of Breaux Bridge Ronnie J. Touchet, 34, of Breaux Bridge Travis Joseph Thibodeaux, 34, of Breaux Bridge Matthew James Hebert, 42, of New Iberia, La. Tucker Huval, 34, of Breaux Bridge

According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Lafayette and the surrounding areas from April 2015 until Wednesday. All defendants have been arrested. In addition to the conspiracy count, there were three counts of distribution of methamphetamine (Counts 2 to 4) and 11 counts of use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating a drug trafficking crime (Counts 5 to 15).

The defendants face various possible penalties depending on the drug quantity involved, their role in the conspiracy and their drug history. On the conspiracy and distribution counts, some defendants face up to life in prison, and others face up to 20 years or 40 years in prison. The defendants also face up to 10 years of supervised release. The penalties for use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating drug trafficking are up to eight years in prison and up to three years of supervised release for each count. Additionally, the defendants face fines up to $20 million and forfeiture of property seized in the case.

The DEA (Lafayette Task Force), Louisiana State Police and Lafayette Metro Narcotics (LMN) participated in the investigation, and the ATF, FBI, DEA Task Force, St. Martin Parish Sherriff’s Office and LMN assisted in the apprehension of the individuals named in the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Daniel J. McCoy are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.