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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUAN CAZES, age 46, and CRANDALL WASHINGTON, age 42, both residents of St. James Parish, Louisiana, were charged November 4, 2021, in a two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to Count 1 and Count 2 of the indictment, on October 28, 2021, CAZES and WASHINGTON conspired and possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

If convicted of Count 1, both CAZES and WASHINGTON face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 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. If convicted of Count 2, both CAZES and WASHINGTON face 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 both counts of the indictment, both CAZES and WASHINGTON face 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 defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. James Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.