Van Vessel, age 50, of Houma, pled guilty on March 18 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to a Mar. 25 announcement by U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Sentencing is set for June 24.
Vessel faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in prison, a fine that could reach $10 million, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, officers from the Houma Police Department attempted to stop Vessel’s vehicle in the early morning hours of May 18, 2025 because it lacked operational headlights and taillights. Vessel tried to flee but crashed his vehicle and was arrested shortly after. A search revealed over seven pounds of methamphetamine packaged in a large vacuum-sealed bag on the passenger floorboard.
Vessel later admitted he knew about the methamphetamine in his vehicle and that he possessed it for distribution purposes.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised Homeland Security Investigations, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot from the Narcotics Unit is handling the prosecution.
