Rodney Berry, 42, of Tangipahoa Parish, pleaded guilty on August 28, 2025, to multiple violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act before United States District Judge Barry Ashe. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Berry admitted guilt to three counts from his indictment. Count 1 involved conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of federal law. Count 6 charged him with illegal use of a communications facility. Count 7 accused him of possessing with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of a methamphetamine mixture.
For Counts 1 and 7, Berry faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison, fines up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release after imprisonment for each count. For Count 6, he could receive up to four years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release. Each charge also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
The indictment states that Berry and seven others conspired over an extended period—ending no earlier than September 10, 2024—to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine across Tangipahoa Parish in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The group used wire and electronic communications as part of their operation.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven approach involving multiple agencies to target major criminal organizations that pose threats within the United States. More information about the OCDETF Program is available at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of several agencies: “the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.” Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver from the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting the case.
