Natchitoches man pleads guilty to methamphetamine, firearm possession charge

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Natchitoches man pleaded guilty Tuesday to possessing methamphetamine and a firearm.

Harold Jumale Anderson, 42, of Natchitoches, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled buy of methamphetamine using a confidential informant on August 18, 2015 in Alexandria.  After his arrest, Anderson’s residence was searched.  Agents found more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded Ruger 9 mm handgun and additional ammunition in his bedroom.

Anderson faces 10 years to life in prison for the methamphetamine possession count.  He also faces a minimum of five years in prison for the firearm count, which will run consecutive to the methamphetamine possession count.  He also faces at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.  A sentencing date of July 20, 2016 was set.

The FBI and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell is prosecuting the case.