Rodney Berry, 42, of Tangipahoa Parish, pleaded guilty on August 28, 2025, to multiple violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Barry Ashe, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Berry admitted guilt to three counts in the indictment against him. Count 1 charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances under Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. Count 6 involved illegal use of a communications facility under Title 21 U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18 U.S.C. §2. Count 7 charged Berry with possessing with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of a methamphetamine mixture in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B).
For Counts 1 and 7, Berry faces mandatory minimum sentences of five years and up to forty years in prison, fines up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release for each count. For Count 6, he could receive up to four years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release. Each charge also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
The indictment states that Berry and seven others conspired over an extended period—ending no earlier than September 10, 2024—to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine across Tangipahoa Parish in the Eastern District of Louisiana using wire and electronic communications.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation aimed at targeting high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among multiple agencies led by prosecutors using intelligence-driven strategies. More information about OCDETF can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson acknowledged the contributions from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver from the Narcotics Unit is handling the prosecution.
