Rapides Parish was among several central Louisiana parishes impacted by a wide-ranging federal drug trafficking investigation that has led to the indictment of 11 individuals accused of conspiring to distribute large quantities of illegal narcotics.

The investigation, which began in late fall 2024, was initiated by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and expanded to include multiple parish sheriff’s offices, district attorneys, and federal agencies. Rapides Parish authorities were involved as the investigation identified distribution routes and criminal activity affecting communities beyond parish boundaries.

Federal prosecutors said the drug trafficking organization moved methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl into central Louisiana, contributing to drug-related crime and overdoses across multiple parishes. Search warrants executed during the investigation resulted in the seizure of narcotics, cash, and other assets tied to the operation.

On Jan. 21, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a 12-count indictment charging 11 individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The indictment further alleges the possession of more than 2,000 fentanyl pills intended for distribution and the use of cell phone communication facilities to facilitate the operation.

All defendants have been arrested and are currently being held in federal custody.

The individuals indicted are:

Detrail Harris
Kameron Harris
Barry Pearson
Frank Coleman Jr.
Earl Thompson, also known as Nook
Michael Womack
Sevesta Sweet
Charles Jackson
Andrew Bulloch
Craig Hopkins
Buford Sawyer, also known as Dog Pound

Federal officials stressed that the charges are accusations only and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana under docket number 26-CR-27. Authorities indicated the investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to target drug trafficking organizations impacting Rapides Parish and the surrounding region.