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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DERECK CELESTIN, JR., age 36, a resident of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, was charged September 30, 2021, in a sealed two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with distribution of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  The indictment was unsealed on October 28, 2021.

According to Count 1 of the indictment, on July 13, 2021, CELESTIN distributed fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  Count 2 alleges that CELESTIN distributed fifty grams or more of methamphetamine on August 9, 2021.

CELESTIN had his initial court appearance on October 27, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Phillips Currault of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The defendant was arraigned on October 29, 2021.

If convicted of Count 1, CELESTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of Count 2, CELESTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For each count of the indictment, CELESTIN faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Myers.