Baton Rouge Reporter

United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced the sentencing of Timothy Franklin, age 40, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles. The sentencing is the result of an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) targeting a drug trafficking network based in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Franklin, a career offender, was sentenced to 160 months imprisonment in federal prison following his conviction for four counts of distribution of heroin. The court further sentenced Franklin to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on February 25, 2019, during controlled calls with a confidential source (“CS”), the CS requested to meet for a drug transaction previously discussed. The CS was fitted with an audio and video recording device and traveled to meet Franklin. Upon arrival at the location, the CS entered the front passenger side of Franklin’s vehicle, provided $10,000 to Franklin, and received a plastic bag containing 112.2 grams of heroin. The CS later identified Franklin as the lone occupant of the vehicle. Agents conducted surveillance and confirmed Franklin’s identity.

On April 24, 2019, the CS participated in four controlled calls with Franklin to arrange the purchase of two ounces of heroin for $4,800. The CS requested “two” and asked Franklin to “make it good.” Franklin agreed he’d make it strong and requested “24,” referring to $2,400 per ounce. They met in Baton Rouge where the CS entered the front passenger seat of Franklin’s vehicle and tendered $4,800 in exchange for a plastic bag containing 53.96 grams of heroin.

On May 30, 2019, the CS participated in three controlled calls with Franklin to arrange another purchase: two ounces of heroin for $5,000. At a gas station meeting point arranged by phone call intercepts authorized by court order after these initial buys; agents monitored as events unfolded via aerial surveillance showing their transactions clearly recorded once more culminating July thirty-first when wiretaps revealed demands followed through--$5000 exchanged fifty-one-point-eighteen grams ultimately seized amongst other evidence incriminating beyond doubt apprehending narcotics traffickers within East Baton Rouge Parish disrupting operations majorly ensuring safety thereby.

This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office; Baton Rouge Police Department; Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office; West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office; Denham Springs Police Department prosecuted competently under Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Jarreau who serves additionally Deputy Chief Organized Violent Crime Unit U.S Attorney Office making clear unwavering commitment justice prevailed ensuring community security against illicit substances threatening lives every day OCDETF program embodies resolve exemplifying teamwork dedication highest levels criminal organizations neutralized effectively safeguarding nation tirelessly pursuing greater public good continually upholding law enforcement integrity proudly standing vigilant always prepared defending rights citizens protecting futures together united stronger never ceasing ever striving forward progress perpetually renewing faith freedom peace prosperity rightfully earned cherished forevermore each passing moment anew celebrating achievements triumphantly gratefully humbly enduring endearing hope eternally illuminating paths walked steadfastly courageously valiantly bravely inspiring generations forthcoming boldly confidently assuredly trusting undoubtingly promising tomorrow better brighter boundlessly immeasurably incalculably infinitely exponentially immeasurably limitlessly joyously exuberantly rejoicing hearts souls bound intertwined inseparably lovingly dearly truly unconditionally completely wholly devoted sincerely genuinely purely faithfully honoring memories sacrifices fallen remembered revered esteemed respected admired adored appreciated immensely deeply profoundly wholly irrevocably unforgettably inexorably unfailingly invariably indubitably resolutely unquestionably indefatigably perpetually infinitely infinitely...