Lionel Antoine Duncan, also known as “Headbaby,” was found guilty by a federal jury on April 29 in New Orleans of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine. The verdict followed a three-day trial before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
The case centers on Duncan’s involvement in the “Murdagang” drug trafficking organization, where he supplied local dealers in the Marydale community of Thibodaux, Louisiana with methamphetamine and cocaine until approximately 2024. Evidence presented at trial showed that Duncan frequently communicated via telephone with other members of the organization during the period covered by the indictment. Authorities executed a search warrant at his residence in June 2024, seizing nine cellular telephones; information from one device included communications about methamphetamine transactions between Duncan and one of his suppliers.
Duncan was convicted on two counts: conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (Count One) and use of a communications facility for drug trafficking (Count Four). For Count One, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10 million fine, at least five years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. For Count Four, he could receive up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, at least three years supervised release, and another $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for July 28.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Thibodaux Police Department, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart M. Theriot and Briana N. Williams are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy for PSN in May 2021 focusing on trust-building within communities; supporting organizations that prevent violence; setting strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring results.
