Traffic Stop in Louisiana Results in Conviction and Sentencing of Four from Texas for Distribution of Cocaine, Methamphetamine and Marijuana

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four defendants involved in a drug distribution conspiracy have all been sentenced. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced the four defendants as follows:

Kendrick D. Riggins, 46, of El Campo, Texas, was sentenced to 108 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Riggins pleaded guilty on December 12, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Myrna B. Grays, 70, of El Campo, Texas, was sentenced April 1, 2024, to 60 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release. Grays pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Ricky L. Lawson, 64, of Ganado, Texas, was sentenced to 105 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release. Lawson pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Shaheed H. Davis, 35, of Rosenburg, Texas, was previously sentenced on March 5, 2024, to 150 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Davis pleaded guilty on November 1, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to information introduced in court, on January 12, 2022, troopers with the Louisiana State Police were performing stationary patrol on I-20 when they observed a Ford Expedition and a Nissan Versa, both bearing Texas license plates and traveling eastbound. Troopers stopped both cars after observing traffic infractions. The driver of the Ford was identified as Kendrick Riggins and the passenger and owner of that car was identified as Shaheed Davis. The trooper who stopped Riggins and Davis detected a strong odor of marijuana and cologne emanating from within the Ford. The driver of the Nissan was identified as Ricky Lawson and his passenger was identified as Myrna Grays. The Nissan was a rental car. Troopers were able to determine that the two vehicles were traveling together from Texas.

Troopers received consent to search the Nissan and found hidden inside the trunk approximately 945.1 grams of powder cocaine and almost 5,000 pills which contained a mixture and substance of methamphetamine weighing approximately 923.1 grams. Troopers also searched the Ford and found a Taurus 9mm handgun; several magazines and ammunition; marijuana; a box of sandwich baggies; a digital scale with cocaine residue; a razorblade with cocaine residue; a whisk with cocaine residue; and a large amount of cash.

Through their further investigation, law enforcement officers learned that Grays agreed to help Riggins find someone to rent a car for him and that Riggins would pay for half of the rental. Riggins, Grays, and Lawson traveled in the rented Nissan from El Campo, Texas to a gas station where they met Davis. Riggins got in the Ford with Davis and Grays and Lawson followed inside the Nissan.

Each of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In addition, Davis was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Shannon and Retired Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick.

# # #