Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson reports that on April 2, 2025, Benjamin Holmes, a Bogalusa resident, was found guilty by a jury of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and an amount of marijuana, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.
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According to the evidence at trial, Holmes utilized his residence in Bogalusa to store illegal narcotics, including fentanyl and marijuana, and firearms, and worked with others at this location to distribute fentanyl and marijuana to paying customers. During a September 2023 search of this residence, law enforcement officials seized four firearms and over 300 grams of fentanyl.
As to counts one and two, Holmes faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) up to forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. As to count three, Holmes faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. As to count four, Holmes faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to count 5, Holmes faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. All five counts also carry a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for July 16, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and the Bogalusa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart Theriot and Lynn E. Schiffman, both of the Narcotics Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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