LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / March 25, 2000

HAHNVILLE – A so-called drug trafficking organization was arraigned Wednesday, its members pleading not guilty to racketeering and drug charges.

A new state RICO (racketeering influence and corrupt organizations) statute specifically aimed at drug-trafficking groups was used by the St. CharlesParish Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 11 against a Des Allemands organizationallegedly headed by Delwin Simmons, capping a two-year investigation.

Simmons was eventually indicted by the St. Charles grand jury, along with 21other suspects. It was called the biggest drug organization in the parish bySheriff Greg Champagne.

On Wednesday, the suspect, including four women, huddled at the left side of the main courtroom, presided over by 29th Judicial District Judge Robert Chaisson.

Chaisson heard arguments for reducing bonds and deciding which attorneys would represent which clients.

Prosecutor Kurt Sins said no bonds were reduced against those suspected of selling drugs, only against those said to have been buying. In those cases, hesaid, $100,000 bonds were cut to $50,000.

The grand jury indicted the following, charging them all with racketeering and conspiracy: Delwin Simmons, Brad Simmons, Bradley Brimmer Sr., Quincy Simmons, Floyd Howard Sr., Floyd Howard Jr., George Hunter Jr., JerrellTurner, Reginald Mott, Glenese Boyd, Carl Chapman, John Lee, Tobi Lewis, Zandra Jones, Phillip Comardelle, Fred Cortez Jr., Galen Hill, Arnold Sevin Jr.,John Tregle, Craig Dufrene, Cynthia Dufrene, Randy Dufrene, Halisha Hunter and Lisa Tregle.

Van-loads of guns, drugs and cash were taken into evidence by a 80-person multi-jurisdictional task force which also included the St. John and Lafourchesheriff’s offices, Louisiana State Police and the National Guard.

Delwin Simmons, 24, reportedly headquartered his drug organization at 16437 Old Spanish Trail.

The next court date in this case is set May 18, Sins said.

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