Terrebonne Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and Money Laundering

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JON VERDIN (“VERDIN”), age 28, of Terrebonne Parish, La., pled guilty on August 7, 2024, before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance to possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms, in addition to money laundering.  Specifically, VERDIN pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

On February 2, 2022, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at VERDIN’s home and recovered over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms.  VERDIN admitted he possessed the fentanyl with intent to distribute same.  He also admitted that he possessed the firearms knowing he had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that on March 20, 2021, VERDIN used proceeds from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to purchase a Lincoln MKZ for $28,000.

VERDIN is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2024.  On the narcotics charge, VERDIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For the felon in possession of firearms charge, VERDIN faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.  On the money laundering charge, VERDIN faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each charge, VERDIN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.