Federal prosecutors announced a sweeping indictment at a Feb. 9 press conference, charging 11 individuals for their alleged involvement in a large, multi-parish drug trafficking organization operating across central Louisiana.
The investigation began in late fall 2024 after the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated a comprehensive narcotics probe targeting drug trafficking organizations operating locally and in surrounding parishes. As the investigation expanded, authorities partnered with multiple local, state, and federal agencies to increase the scope and effectiveness of enforcement efforts.
Participating agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Forest Service, and sheriff’s offices from Vernon, Sabine, Rapides, Grant, Concordia, and Natchitoches parishes, along with local police departments.
According to federal officials, the coordinated investigation led to the disruption of several supply chains originating outside Louisiana and multiple takedowns of local distribution sources. Authorities say the operation significantly reduced the flow of illegal drugs into Vernon Parish and neighboring communities.
On Jan. 21, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a 12-count indictment charging the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. The indictment also alleges that at least one individual possessed more than 2,000 fentanyl pills intended for distribution within the Western District of Louisiana. Prosecutors further allege that cell phone communication facilities were used to facilitate the drug trafficking operation.
All 11 defendants have been arrested and are currently in federal custody.
The individuals named in the indictment are:
Detrail Harris
Kameron Harris
Barry Pearson
Frank Coleman Jr.
Earl Thompson, also known as Nook
Michael Womack
Sevesta Sweet
Charles Jackson
Andrew Bulloch
Craig Hopkins
Buford Sawyer, also known as Dog Pound
Federal authorities emphasized that the indictment contains allegations only and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana under docket number 26-CR-27. Officials noted the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges or arrests may follow.