New Orleans Westbank Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Heroin

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BRYAN JOSEPH, age 39, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 20, 2019 to distributing heroin in Jefferson Parish.

According to court documents, on October 14, 2018, deputies with Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a McDonald’s restaurant located in Harvey, Louisiana.  When deputies arrived, they were advised that an unresponsive male was found in a bathroom stall.  Deputies found an uncapped needle, needle cap, bent spoon and corner of a cellophane bag near the body.  Detectives reviewed the store’s video surveillance and saw the victim arrive ae the restaurant on a bicycle and enter the bathroom.  The victim never exited the bathroom.  Subsequently, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation who then assisted with the investigation.  Through the investigation, agents determined that JOSEPH sold the victim a quantity of heroin prior to the victim’s death. Jefferson Parish Forensic Center conducted an autopsy, which concluded that the victim died as a result of the toxic effects of heroin and fentanyl.

Agents furthered their investigation by purchasing heroin from JOSEPH on October 23, 2018 and October 25, 2018.  On October 31, 2018, agents executed a search warrant at JOSEPH’s residence and located approximately 68.8 grams of heroin, approximately 156 grams of marijuana, digital scales and sandwich bags.

JOSEPH faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a possible fine of $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo scheduled JOSEPH to be sentenced on March 20, 2020.

U.S.Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Gang Task Force and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige is in charge of the prosecution.