PONCHATOULA, La. — A Ponchatoula man has been arrested in connection with operating a drug trafficking ring near a local church, following a community tip and law enforcement surveillance.
James Rodgers Jr., 67, was taken into custody by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) on multiple charges including:
Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Obstruction of justice
Possession of a controlled dangerous substance within a drug-free zone
Suspicious activity at a residence on the 41000 block of South Range Road prompted a multi-day investigation by the TPSO Narcotics Division. Authorities identified Rodgers as a suspect and obtained search warrants to raid the home.
On Friday, September 12, narcotics detectives from TPSO, along with the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division, executed the search warrant. They discovered cocaine, a crack cocaine and fentanyl mixture, a digital scale, and over $8,600 in cash.
Rodgers is a convicted felon and registered sex offender, according to TPSO. He was booked on the aforementioned charges immediately following the raid.
TPSO indicated the case is ongoing, with further investigations expected to continue.
