New Orleans Man Charged With Drug Trafficking Offenses

 NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVID SINGLETON, age 62, of New Orleans, was indicted on July 16, 2021 by a federal grand jury for violations of the Controlled Substances Act.  Specifically, SINGLETON was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 846. 

According to the indictment, SINGLETON possessed over 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride on or about October 20, 2017.  If convicted of this charge, SINGLETON faces enhanced penalties of a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000, and at least 8 years of supervised release.  For each count, SINGLETON must pay a mandatory special assessment cost of $100. 

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.