Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced a four-count indictment against eight individuals for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The accused are Larry G. Turner, Elmo Franklin, Regginald Henry, Jyston Dantzler, Wayne Long, Garrett McClain Jr., Roy Short, and Tawan Anthony.
The indictment was issued on June 26, 2025, following their arrests by local law enforcement and Drug Enforcement Administration agents. All eight face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
McClain faces additional charges for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Henry and Anthony are charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl mixtures. Short is also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
If convicted, Turner, Franklin, Long, and McClain could face sentences ranging from ten years to life imprisonment along with fines up to $10 million. Henry and Short face similar prison terms but lower fines of up to $5 million due to prior drug trafficking convictions. Dantzler and Anthony could receive five to forty years in prison.
The indictment alleges that the group conspired to distribute drugs throughout Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes in Louisiana’s Eastern District. A search at Turner’s residence uncovered over five kilograms of suspected fentanyl in counterfeit pill form along with firearms.
Simpson praised the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies including the DEA’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office among others involved in this operation.
Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot will handle the prosecution as part of the Narcotics Unit.
“An indictment is merely a charge,” Simpson stated emphasizing that guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
