A major drug trafficking operation in Monroe, Louisiana, led to six convictions following a detailed investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana announced the sentences, with nearly 100 years in prison handed down to the convicted individuals.
Chief U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty delivered the following sentences:
- Laneython T. Ignont, 29, from Monroe: 30 years for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegal firearm possession during a drug trafficking operation.
- Jamichael D. Ignont, 29, also of Monroe: 20 years for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
- Donterrian M. Lavender, 31: 17 ½ years for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jamarcus G. Jackson, 31: 15 years for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Shawn M. Stansbury, 51: 8 years, 4 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
Laneython Ignont, also known as “Bandz,” was identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Monroe area. In 2022, investigators used wiretaps to intercept phone calls by Ignont, which exposed his involvement in drug transactions.
On December 7, 2022, Ignont and co-defendant Donterrian Lavender were intercepted by agents at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport while attempting to fly to Los Angeles to purchase drugs. During the search, agents seized over $53,000 in cash from their luggage.
Further investigations led to the execution of search warrants at Monroe-area homes on December 13, 2022, and February 28, 2023, where agents seized a total of 25 pounds of methamphetamine, seven pounds of heroin, and nine firearms. At Ignont’s residence, authorities recovered 20 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of heroin, two firearms, and two vehicles used for drug trafficking.
A hidden safe at another location contained over $10,000 in cash and around $262,000 worth of jewelry, including custom diamond pendants. These findings highlight the scale of the operation and the substantial profits generated by the trafficking network.
The convictions represent a significant victory for law enforcement in the ongoing battle against organized drug crime. With nearly a century of combined federal sentences, these individuals will face lengthy prison terms for their roles in the illegal drug trade.
