Kendrick Williams Admits to Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses in Louisiana
Kendrick Williams, a 20-year-old New Orleans resident, pleaded guilty today to multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The announcement was made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to authorities, Williams had been advertising tapentadol and marijuana for sale on social media in an effort to attract potential buyers. After executing two search warrants at Williams’ home, law enforcement seized over 800 tapentadol pills, one pound of marijuana, two Glock handguns with extended magazines, and more than $9,000 in cash.
Tapentadol, a prescription opioid, is used to manage severe pain, often for chronic conditions like neuropathic pain, but it is not intended for occasional pain relief. Williams faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for each drug trafficking charge. In addition, he could face at least three years of supervised release following any potential sentence.
Regarding the firearm possession charge tied to his drug trafficking activities, Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, with the possibility of life imprisonment, which would be served consecutively to other sentences. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release.
This case is part of the national initiative Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime, gun violence, and enhance public safety through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
