Metairie Man Guilty of Federal Drug and Gun Offenses

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROOSEVELT COCKHERAN ("COCKHERAN") , age 40, formerly a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 22, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and, to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, to Further a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b); Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C); and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). COCKHERAN also admitted that he is a prior drug offender and as such, is subject to enhanced penalties as to the conspiracy charge.

As to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and Distribute Cocaine, COCKHERAN faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and, at least 8 years of supervised release. As to Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, COCKHERAN faces up to 4 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and, up to 1 year of supervised release. As to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, COCKHERAN faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and, at least 3 years supervised release. As to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, COCKHERAN faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and, up to three years of supervised release. Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

Judge Morgan ordered sentencing to occur on February 25, 2025.

Court documents reflect that COCKHERAN was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO) deputies after they recovered several plastic bags containing cocaine and crack cocaine, a black digital scale, a Black Taurus Model PT 24/7 PRO handgun with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of .45 ammo and his cell phone, from his pick-up truck. Examination of the cell phone by JPSO experts and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, revealed text messages, photographs and other information documenting his drug trafficking activities.

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.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.