September 8, 10

NEWS / Main Defendant in a Major Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force: “Monster Mash”

SHREVEPORT, LA—One of Shreveport’s biggest drug traffickers was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison, United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced. Eddarian D. Lawrence, 33, who has been in federal custody since his arrest in July 2009, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 kilograms of powder cocaine.

Lawrence and five co-defendants were previously indicted on a variety of drug trafficking charges following an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Monster Mash.” Thirteen other defendants have been charged in related cases. Operation Monster Mash was initiated in October 2006 by the FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force and targeted a local gang and drug distribution organization headed by Eddarian Lawrence, also known as “Monster” and “Kid.” This organization was identified by Shreveport area law enforcement as being a multi-kilogram distributor of cocaine and marijuana and one of the area’s most significant drug distribution operations.

The investigation of Lawrence’s organization culminated with the July 2009 federal indictment and arrest of Lawrence and five of his close associates. The investigation spanned two states, multiple jurisdictions, and involved the FBI and DEA offices in Shreveport, Dallas, and Houston. The investigation produced 21 federal indictments, and seizures included $136,581.00 in cash, several vehicles, and four firearms.

OCDETF is a joint multi-agency group consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with a cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking. The investigation was conducted by OCDETF and the FBI’s Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Shreveport, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and the Louisiana National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allison D. Bushnell.

FACT SHEET:

EDDARIAN D. LAWRENCE, aka “Monster” and “Kid,” age 33, of Shreveport, La., was arrested July 27, 2009, and pleaded guilty on December 14, 2009, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute powder cocaine. Lawrence was sentenced on August 31, 2010, to 360 months’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release.

LEO CHAMARIO JOHNSON, aka “Mario,” age 27, of Shreveport, La., was arrested July 27, 2009, and pleaded guilty on December 1, 2009, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute powder cocaine. Johnson was sentenced on March 17, 2010, to 87 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release.

FREDERICK B. WHITE, age 27, of Shreveport, La., was arrested September 2, 2009, and pleaded guilty on January 29, 2010, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute powder cocaine. White was sentenced on May 28, 2010, to 108 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release.

ANTONIO L. LATTIN, aka “Memphis,”age 25, of Shreveport, La., was arrested on July 30, 2009, and pleaded guilty on January 29, 2010, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute powder cocaine. Lattin was sentenced on May 28, 2010, to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release.

ROBERT C. COLEMAN, aka “Little Robert” and “Big Al,” age 21, of Shreveport, La., was arrested May 12, 2009, and pleaded guilty on February 17, 2010, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute powder cocaine. Coleman was sentenced on August 30, 2010, to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release.

JIMMY LEE FLIPPING, JR., aka “Flip,” 29, of Shreveport, La., was arrested August 17, 2009, and pleaded guilty on February 11, 2010, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute powder cocaine. Flipping was sentenced on August 20, 2010, to 170 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release.

http://neworleans.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/no090710.htm