Agents with the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit were contacted by agents with Louisiana State Probation and Parole on Jan. 7 after they located suspected illegal narcotics and a large sum of U.S. currency at a residence. RADE Agents responded to 40 Gene Gunter Road in Deville to assist Probation and Parole.

 

According to Probation and Parole, a supervising agent made contact with the offender, identified as Stephen Sasser, 54 of Deville, at his residence on Gene Gunter Road. Sasser is currently on parole for prior narcotic violations and was observed loading his hunting firearms in the back cargo area of his SUV. Due to his conviction, he is currently prohibited from possessing firearms as a condition of his parole status.

Probation Agents conducted a more thorough search of Sasser’s vehicle and located just less than six ounces of methamphetamine and over $10,000.00 in assorted U.S. currency. The methamphetamines were prepackaged in several one ounce bags and 3.5 gram (1/8 ounce) baggies, more commonly known as an “Eight Ball.” Additionally, a small amount of marijuana and several firearms, including an AR-style rifle and a sound suppressor, were found in the vehicle.

 

RADE Agents responded to assist Probation and Parole on the narcotics violation portion of the investigation. Sasser was taken into custody without incident and booked for Possession of CDS II (Methamphetamines) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS I (Marijuana), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Illegal Carrying of Firearms with Narcotics, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Sales, and Parole Violations.

 

RADE Agents seized the cash as they believe it to be revenue from the illegal sales of narcotics and later applied for, and were granted, a seizure warrant. RADE agents say their investigation is still ongoing and the RPSO Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Task Force Officer assigned to the RADE Unit was notified of the possession of the suppressor. More charges are possible.

 

Sasser remains in jail at the time of this release being held on a $95,500.00 bond.