NEW ORLEANS — A convicted River Parishes drug dealer with ties to LaPlace is again in trouble with the law, this time facing federal prosecution and life in jail following a fresh batch of indictments, authorities said.

Known as “Rube,” 35-year-old Garrett Stephens was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury for distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

Stephens was also indicted for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and other offenses, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced.

According to the indictment, Stephens and others distributed 50 grams of methamphetamine between Aug. 30 and Jan. 25. In a separate count, Stephens is linked to the sale of five grams of methamphetamine on Aug. 30.

A third count charges Stephens with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Sept. 8.

Authorities also say Stephens was in possession of a Kel-Tech .380 caliber handgun in September during his alleged drug-dealing actions. According to authorities, Stephens was convicted July 14, 2014, in St. James Parish for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, adding a “felon in possession of a firearm” count to his latest indictment.

If convicted, Stephens faces multiple life imprisonment terms and millions of dollars in fines.

According to Evans, the Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Nicholas D. Moses are in charge of the prosecution.