Westbank Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun Violations

NEW ORLEANS - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRIQUE RICHARDS, age 27, of Violet, La., was indicted on March 8, 2024, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

The indictment alleges that on February 27, 2024, RICHARDS, possessed cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute, a handgun in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense, and a weight scale.

If convicted of possession with intent to distribute, RICHARDS faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession a firearm in furtherance of  a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, which must be served consecutively with  any other count, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release.  RICHARDS also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.00.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.