A California man has pleaded guilty to charges related to the interstate transportation of stolen property after authorities say he conspired to move stolen cigarettes across state lines from a Metairie business. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that DeAnthony Blocker entered his plea on August 27, 2025, in response to a two-count indictment. The charges include conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods and the actual interstate transportation of those goods.
The indictment states that Blocker and others planned and executed the theft of cigarettes from a Louisiana warehouse on November 21, 2024. After the burglary, they traveled out of state but were apprehended in Fort Stockton, Texas, the next day while still in possession of the stolen items. Authorities also linked the group to similar burglaries in North Carolina and Texas earlier in February 2024.
If convicted on Count 1, Blocker faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. On Count 2, he could receive up to ten years imprisonment, three years supervised release, another fine up to $250,000, and an additional $100 special assessment fee.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Knightdale Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, Rockmart Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Fort Stockton Police Department in investigating this matter,” according to Simpson. “Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.”
