Three men from Louisiana have been indicted on federal charges related to fentanyl distribution, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. The seven-count indictment was unsealed after the arrests of Darryl Sumler, 61, of Slidell; Darryl Goodman, 47, of New Orleans; and Jason Slaughter, 33, of Bogalusa.
All three are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl. If convicted on this count, each faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to forty years, fines up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release.
Sumler faces four additional counts for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Each count carries the same sentencing range as the conspiracy charge. Slaughter is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl and could face similar penalties if convicted.
Goodman is charged separately with distributing a quantity of fentanyl; if found guilty on this count he could receive up to twenty years in prison, a fine as high as $1 million, and no less than three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, the alleged conspiracy continued until at least June 13, 2025. All defendants face mandatory special assessment fees for each charge.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America—an initiative led by the Department of Justice that brings together resources from various agencies including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The program focuses on fighting illegal immigration-related crime and dismantling criminal organizations operating across borders.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson commended several law enforcement agencies for their efforts: “I want to praise the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Slidell Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police.” He also noted that Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver is leading the prosecution in this matter.
Simpson emphasized due process in his statement: “An indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
