Two men involved in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison, according to Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. Gilbert Joseph, 36, from Crowley, Louisiana, and Ronaldo Coleman, 38, from Cypress, Texas, received their sentences from United States District Judge David C. Joseph. Gilbert Joseph was sentenced to 160 months in prison while Ronaldo Coleman received a sentence of 120 months. Both will also serve five years of supervised release following their imprisonment.
The charges stemmed from an investigation initiated by the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office in January 2024 after receiving information about two suspicious packages sent via UPS to an address in Crowley. Law enforcement conducted surveillance and observed one package being delivered by a UPS vehicle. Shortly after delivery, Joseph arrived and took possession of the package. A subsequent traffic stop and search revealed that the package emitted an odor of marijuana and contained approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine inside metal tin cans.
Law enforcement contacted UPS regarding the second package bound for the same address which had been diverted by the intended recipient and held at UPS facilities. A narcotics canine indicated the presence of controlled substances inside this package as well; it was found to contain approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine.
Through their investigation, authorities discovered text messages exchanged between Joseph and Coleman concerning the delivery of these packages. Coleman’s messages confirmed he was the intended recipient of the second package and attempted to reroute it through UPS.
Both individuals were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Additionally, Joseph pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy.
