Shreveport Reporter

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of two men in Monroe on federal drug and firearms charges. Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty delivered the sentences.

Desmond K. Hollins, aged 47 from Monroe, received a sentence of 128 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. In November 2022, officers from the Metro Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at Hollins' residence in Monroe, discovering methamphetamine, a digital scale, packaging material, four firearms, and various rounds of ammunition. The narcotics were confirmed to be methamphetamine weighing 322.75 grams after analysis at the crime lab. Hollins pleaded guilty on September 4, 2024, agreeing to forfeit the seized firearms and ammunition.

Justin Wright, aged 45 from West Monroe, was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On August 15, 2023, officers from the West Monroe Police Department responded to reports that Wright was firing a pistol in his yard. Upon arrival at his residence, they found him with a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm pistol tucked into his waistband. Wright had previous felony convictions for attempted possession of a firearm by a felon and simple arson and was aware he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm on September 24, 2024.

The cases were investigated by multiple agencies including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Monroe Police Department; Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office; and West Monroe Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Seth D. Reeg prosecuted these cases.