Nola Reporter

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Diontae Dorsey, a 43-year-old resident of New Orleans, has pled guilty to several charges related to controlled substances and firearms violations. The plea was entered on November 7, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier. Sentencing is set for February 27, 2025.

Dorsey faces serious charges in three counts of an indictment. Count 1 involves conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, violating Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. This count could result in a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, a fine up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release.

In Count 4, Dorsey is charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes under Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1). The sentencing for this charge mandates a minimum of five years up to life imprisonment, with fines reaching $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release following imprisonment. The sentence must run consecutively with any other sentences.

Count 8 accuses Dorsey of maintaining a drug-involved premises in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856(a) and Title 18 U.S.C. § 2, which carries up to twenty years imprisonment, a potential $500,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Each count also includes a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

The indictment reveals that from an unknown start date until at least May 8, 2024, Dorsey and others operated three residences in the Algiers neighborhood for narcotics packaging and distribution activities involving fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Some participants also possessed firearms as part of this conspiracy.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that collaborates across law enforcement levels and communities to decrease violent crime and gun violence while improving neighborhood safety. The Department's strategy launched on May 26, 2021 focuses on fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.

Attorney Evans commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Louisiana State Police (LSP), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) for their roles in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot from the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting the case.