A New Orleans woman has been handed down a sentence by federal authorities for her involvement in a drug distribution network. Kianna Scott, 24, from New Orleans, received five years probation after pleading guilty to charges related to the distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and use of a communication facility in the facilitation of narcotics trafficking, specifically fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
The case against Scott was clear-cut, as court documents showed she used a phone to assist an associate in the narcotics trade within the Eastern District of Louisiana. The sentence, including a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, follows what's often seen as a stringent approach to drug-related offenses under federal law. However, the leniency in avoiding jail time for Scott also seems to reflect a possibly changing attitude pertains to sentencing in drug cases.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the investigation that led to Scott's conviction was a concerted effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office spearheaded the investigation with assistance from several sheriff's offices across Jefferson, Saint Charles, Saint John the Baptist, Lafourche parishes, and the Harahan Police Department.
