A 56-year-old Kenner woman has been handed a 46-month prison sentence for her role in a fentanyl distribution scheme. Shawna Martin, who previously pled guilty to charges of distributing fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute the drug, will also face four years of supervised release following her imprisonment, in addition to a mandatory special assessment fee of $300, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana reported that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had received tips about Martin's activities in 2023. Investigations later confirmed that she distributed over 40 grams of fentanyl pills within the Eastern District of Louisiana. On two occasions in late summer 2023, Martin sold substantial amounts of the drug – 30.7 grams on August 24 and 67 grams on September 6 – to an individual she believed to be a buyer in good faith.
The case took a decisive turn on September 20, 2023, when Martin was found in possession of an even larger quantity of fentanyl, this time amounting to 114.86 grams. The DEA confirmed her intention to distribute the narcotics. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit prosecuted the case, building on the foundation laid by the DEA's investigation, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
