Three Louisiana men—Darryl Sumler, 61, of Slidell; Darryl Goodman, 47, of New Orleans; and Jason Slaughter, 33, of Bogalusa—were indicted on seven counts for allegedly conspiring to distribute fentanyl. The indictment was unsealed following their arrests, as part of an effort to target transnational criminal organizations, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Sumler, Goodman, and Slaughter were indicted for a fentanyl distribution scheme in the Eastern District of Louisiana that lasted until at least June 13. The main conspiracy charge carries a penalty of 5 to 40 years in prison, up to $5 million in fines, a minimum of four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. Sumler was also charged with four counts of distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Goodman was charged with one count of fentanyl distribution, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Slaughter was charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the unsealing of arrests involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Slidell Police, and Louisiana State Police. The actions are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort to "repel the invasion of illegal immigration," dismantle cartels, and address violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit is leading the prosecution, focusing on drug distribution networks, especially those involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
