COLUMBUS, Miss. — A Lowndes County woman has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for her role in a major drug trafficking case involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a firearm, federal officials announced.
Jaquelyne Leiataua, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to:
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson sentenced Leiataua to:
85 months (7 years, 1 month) on drug distribution charges
60 months (5 years) for the firearm offense
The sentences are to be served consecutively, totaling 145 months (over 12 years) in federal prison. She will also serve three years of supervised release following her incarceration.
Federal and Local Officials Respond
“There are consequences for bringing deadly narcotics into our community and for using firearms to protect that illegal trade,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We are proud to stand with our partners… in protecting our citizens from dangerous narcotics and from those that sell them.”
Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins also commended the joint efforts, stating:
“Those who traffic and sell this poison are contributing to death and destruction… We’ve successfully prosecuted these offenders and kept them off the streets.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was investigated by:
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee led the prosecution.
