ST. HELENA PARISH MEN INDICTED ON DRUG AND GUN CHARGES
CHRISTIEN SCOTT, 27, JAMES SELF, 27, and TULIE WHITEN, 27, residents of St. Helena Parish, were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on four counts involving cocaine and marijuana conspiracy charges as well as a possession of a firearm charge occurring in Tangipahoa Parish, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten. According to court records, SCOTT, SELF and WHITEN attempted to sell approximately four ounces of crack cocaine and fifteen pounds of marijuana to a confidential informant working under the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to the indictment, for a period of time prior to July 20, 2011, SCOTT, SELF and WHITEN conspired and agreed to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”) and a quantity of marijuana. SCOTT, SELF and WHITEN are also charged with possession with intent to distribute twenty-eight grams of crack and a quantity of marijuana. Additionally, according to the indictment, on or about July 20, 2011, SCOTT and SELF knowingly possessed a firearm, a Ross .38 special handgun, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted on all charges, SCOTT, SELF and WHITEN face a possible maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of $5,000,000. and a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being conducted by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Andre’ Jones.
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