Press Releases
FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTMENT FOR FEDERAL DRUG VIOLATION
June 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANK KEYS JR., age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for possessing with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to court documents, on June 3, 2008, St. John Parish Sheriff's Deputies were patrolling Interstate 10 near Laplace, Louisiana. While on patrol, officers observed a white Hyundai Sonata commit a moving violation. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and issued a citation. Officers, then joined by Drug Enforcement Agency special agents, obtained verbal consent from the driver to search the vehicle. In addition, a narcotics detecting K-9 officer conducted a free air search of the vehicle and provided a positive alert on the passenger side of the vehicle.
The occupants of the vehicle were ordered out of the vehicle and were patted-down for officer safety. While conducting a pat-down of FRANK KEYS JR., officers felt a large hard object in the pants area on KEYS. KEYS told officers he was wearing a diaper. Officers then asked KEYS if there was anything in the diaper and he shook his head affirmatively. At that time, officers removed the package which was concealed in the diaper. The package contained approximately 257 grams of heroin.
If convicted, KEYS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and
a maximum term of imprisonment of forty (40) years, four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a two million dollar fine.
The case was investigated by the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Sean Toomey.
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