An illegal drug case investigated by the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration has resulted in a guilty plea by Terry Reed of Lafayette on three counts of violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts.
Reed, who was arrested Feb. 3, 2024 by St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (Count 1), felon in possession of a firearm (Count 2) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count 3).
Reed, 54, pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2024 before United States District Judge Brandon Long.
On Count 1, Reed faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000 and at least five years of supervised release. On Count 2, Reed faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. On Count 3, Reed faces a consecutive mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. As to each individual count, Reed also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on or about Feb. 3, 2024, Reed intentionally possesses, with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Additionally, he possessed a Ruger Model LC9, nine-millimeter pistol, despite being previously convicted of a felony, a fact that prohibits his possession of a firearm. Reed used the illegally possessed firearm to further a drug trafficking crime.