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Federal indictments were announced recently against the six individuals who were charged last week, during a series of raids conducted around Bogalusa by the Bogalusa Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Orleans Field Division.

According to BPD officials, the six individuals are part of the “Snatcha Gang,” which has been an ongoing problem to the city of Bogalusa over the past several years.

Billy Porter, 43, a resident of Bogalusa, was charged Sept. 6 in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the indictment, on April 30 and again on Aug. 6, Porter distributed 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

If convicted, Porter faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $5 million and at least four years of supervised release, following any term of imprisonment.

Derrick Mark, a.k.a. “Dopeman,” 40, and Christopher Harris, 29, both residents of Bogalusa, were charged Sept. 6 in a five-count indictment by a federal grand jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Strasser.

According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to April 5 and continuing until the present, Mark and Harris conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Both Mark and Harris are also charged with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and Mark is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

If convicted, both Mark and Harris face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the firearms offense, Mark faces an additional five years’ imprisonment to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed against him.

Strasser also announced that Trevion Harris, a.k.a. “Trigga,” 22, Jonzarrion Harris, a.k.a. “Gee,” 19, and Demarquiez Harris, 24, all residents of Bogalusa, were charged Sept. 6 in a 12-count indictment by a federal grand jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to Nov. 30, 2018, and continuing until the present, Trevion Harris, Jonzarrion Harris, and Demarquiez Harris conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. All three individuals are also charged with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

If convicted, all three individuals face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

These prosecutions are part of an extensive investigation by the ATF and the BPD, of individuals suspected of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and firearms in the Bogalusa area.

Strasser reiterated that the indictments are merely charging documents, and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney André Jones is handling the prosecutions for all six individuals.