Five people have been arrested in connection to illegal drug activity in St. John Parish.
Arrested October 10, 2023 were Reece Hardy, 18, of New Sarpy; Angel Marrotte, 20, of New Sarpy; Aiden Mizell, 20, of New Sarpy; Jessie Stuard, 23, of LaPlace; and Dylan Zimmerman, 24, of LaPlace.
In August 2023, the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division began an investigation of Hardy and his involvement in the distribution of illegal narcotics, specifically pressed Fentanyl pills in St. John Parish.
During the course of the investigation, on October 9, 2023, detectives conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Hardy was a passenger and executed a subsequent search warrant at Hardy’s former residence in the 400 block of Mahogany Street in LaPlace. During the search, detectives recovered 191 pressed Fentanyl pills, about two grams of Fentanyl, one loaded 9mm handgun, and about 14 grams of marijuana. Detectives know through prior experience and training that the evidence recovered was consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics.
When Fentanyl is pressed into pills, the amount can vary from pill to pill. The amount in a single pill can be deadly to some. Pressed Fentanyl pills are often disguised to look like legitimate prescription medication.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams of Fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose.
Hardy was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (felony), illegal carrying of weapon with controlled dangerous substance, transactions involving proceeds from CDS activity (felony). He is being held in custody in lieu of a $130,000 bond.
Mizell, the driver, and passengers Marrotte, Stuard, and Zimmerman also were charged.
Marrotte was booked with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (felony). She is being held in custody in lieu of a $65,000 bond.
Mizell was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (felony) and operating vehicle with suspended license; no license issued. He is being held in custody in lieu of a $75,500 bond.
Stuard was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (felony); and sale, distribution, or possession of legend drug without prescription or order prohibited. He is being held in custody in lieu of a $95,000 bond.
Zimmerman was booked with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (felony). He is being held in custody in lieu of a $75,000 bond.
If you suspect that there is illegal drug activity in your neighborhood, please submit the information on our website: