A Tangipahoa Parish resident, Rodney Berry, age 43, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to several charges related to the distribution of controlled substances. The sentencing took place on December 4, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Barry Ashe.
Berry admitted guilt to three counts in a superseding indictment. The first count involved conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The sixth count charged him with illegal use of a communications facility, while the seventh count involved possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Berry and seven others conspired over an extended period—ending at least by September 10, 2024—to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Tangipahoa Parish area using wire and electronic communications.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson commended multiple agencies for their roles in the investigation: “Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.” Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver from the Narcotics Unit prosecuted the case.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and communities. In May 2021, the Department of Justice enhanced PSN with strategies focused on building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes. More details about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
The investigation also fell under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which targets high-level criminal organizations using a multi-agency approach led by prosecutors and intelligence professionals. Information about OCDETF is available at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.