A New Orleans resident, Alton Tumblin, age 44, pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025, to federal charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Tumblin admitted guilt to four counts in the indictment against him. Counts 1, 3, and 4 involved distributing fifty grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of federal law. Count 2 concerned the distribution of fentanyl.
For the methamphetamine charges (Counts 1, 3, and 4), Tumblin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in prison, along with a possible fine reaching $10 million and at least five years of supervised release. The fentanyl charge (Count 2) carries a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a fine up to $1 million, and up to three years supervised release.
Court documents show that Tumblin distributed over fifty grams of methamphetamine on three occasions—August 7, August 9, and August 16 in 2023—during controlled purchases involving individuals he believed were buyers. On August 7, he also sold fentanyl to an undercover agent.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which coordinates efforts among law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence across neighborhoods nationwide. In May 2021, the Department implemented a strategy focused on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-launches-new-violent-crime-reduction-strategy-strengthen-project-safe).
Additionally, this prosecution falls under Operation Big Easy—a National Integrated Ballistics Information Network initiative analyzing firearm casings collected between August 1, 2023 and January 31, 2023—which identified patterns related to shootings and homicides across seven areas in New Orleans linked to criminal activity (https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; New Orleans Police Department; and Louisiana State Police for their roles in investigating the case. Rachal Cassagne from the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting.
